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Prevention
By Mayo Clinic staffAlthough no effective vaccine is available, antibiotics can help prevent infection if you're at risk of or have been exposed to plague. Take the following precautions if you live or spend time in regions where plague outbreaks occur:
- Rodent-proof your home. Remove potential nesting areas, such as piles of brush, rock, firewood and junk. Don't leave pet food in areas that rodents can easily access.
- Keep your pets free of fleas. Ask your veterinarian which flea-control products will work best.
- Use insect repellent. Closely supervise your children and pets when spending time outside in areas with large rodent populations. Use insect repellent.
References
- Everett ED. Microbiology, pathogenesis and epidemiology of plague (Yersinia pestis infection). http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed June 17, 2010.
- Gage KL. Plague and other Yersinia infections. In: Goldman L, et al. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/206594927-5/1015859897/1492/1167.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2805-5..50338-4_14426. Accessed June 17, 2010.
- Everett ED. Clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment of plague (Yersinia pestis infection). http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed June 17, 2010.
- Plague fact sheet. National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/public_health/info/factsheets/fs_plague.htm. Accessed June 18, 2010.
- Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about plague. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.bt.cdc.gov/agent/plague/faq.asp. Accessed June 18, 2010.
- Information on plague. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/plague.info.htm. Accessed June 18, 2010.
- Interregional meeting on prevention and control of plague. World Health Organization. http://www.who.int/csr/resources/publications/WHO_HSE_EPR_2008_3w.pdf. Accessed June 21, 2010.
- Plague fact sheet. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/plague/qa.htm. Accessed June 21, 2010.
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