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Prevention
By Mayo Clinic staffAlthough no effective vaccine is available, antibiotics offer effective preventive therapy if you're at risk of or have been exposed to plague. Ask your doctor immediately about preventive antibiotics if you:
- Have had close contact with a person or animal with known or suspected pneumonic plague
- Have been bitten by a flea or unknown insect in an area known to have recent plague cases
- Are planning to spend time in a region with recent plague outbreak
Take the following precautions if you live or spend time in regions where plague outbreaks occur:
- Avoid contact with sick or dead animals. If you hunt, wear gloves when handling dead animals.
- Rodent-proof your home. Remove potential nesting areas, such as piles of brush, rock, firewood and junk. Don't leave pet or bird food or any other foods in areas that rodents can easily access.
- Prevent your pets from contracting fleas. Use flea-control products and don't allow pets to wander unsupervised. Ask your veterinarian for recommended flea-control brands and guidelines.
- Take precautions when outdoors. Closely supervise your children and pets when spending time outside in areas with large rodent populations. Use insect repellent on your skin and clothing.
Know the risk factors and the symptoms of plague so that you can identify it early and contact your doctor immediately. If you know of recent plague cases in your area, report sick or dead animals to your local health department or to police.
