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Reported cases of human plague infections in the United States, 1970-1991

R B Craven1, G O Maupin, M L Beard

  • 1Bacterial Zoonoses Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Public Health Service, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Fort Collins, CO 80522.

Journal of Medical Entomology
|July 1, 1993
PubMed

Insights

Human plague cases in the US (1970-1991) primarily occurred in the Southwest, with most cases appearing from April to November. Ground squirrels and domestic cats were key sources of infection.

Area of Science:

  • Zoonotic diseases
  • Epidemiology
  • Infectious disease surveillance

Background:

  • Human plague (caused by Yersinia pestis) is a re-emerging zoonotic disease with significant public health implications.
  • Understanding historical trends and transmission dynamics is crucial for effective prevention and control strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of human plague cases reported in the United States between 1970 and 1991.
  • To identify geographic distribution, seasonality, clinical presentations, and sources of infection for human plague.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of reported indigenous and imported human plague cases in the US from 1970 to 1991.
  • Data extraction included case location, onset date, clinical form, patient demographics, and suspected sources of infection.

Main Results:

  • A total of 295 indigenous and 1 imported human plague case were reported.
  • Eighty-two percent of indigenous cases were concentrated in New Mexico, Arizona, and Colorado, with 93% occurring between April and November.
  • Bubonic or septicemic plague constituted 89% of cases; males were more frequently affected (58%) with higher mortality (17% vs. 11%). Ground squirrels were the primary source in flea-bite associated cases, while domestic cats played an increasing role in transmission.

Conclusions:

  • Human plague in the US during this period showed distinct geographic and seasonal patterns, predominantly in the Southwest.
  • The findings highlight the importance of surveillance for plague in wildlife reservoirs (ground squirrels) and domestic animals (cats) to prevent human infections.
  • Public health interventions should focus on these high-risk areas and seasons, and educate the public about risks associated with animal contact.

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