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Risk factors
By Mayo Clinic staffThe risk of developing plaque is very low. Worldwide, only a few thousand people develop plague each year. However, your risk of plague can be increased by where you live and travel, your occupation, and even by some of your hobbies.
Location
Plague outbreaks are most common in rural areas and in urban areas characterized by overcrowding, poor sanitation and a high rat population.
The greatest number of human plague infections occurs in Africa. But the largest concentration of infected animals is in the United States — particularly in New Mexico, Arizona and Colorado — and in the former Soviet Union.
Occupation
Veterinarians and their assistants have a higher risk of coming into contact with domestic cats that may have become infected with plague. Also at higher risk are people who work outdoors in areas where plague-infested animals are common.
Hobbies
Camping, hunting or hiking in areas where plague-infected animals reside can increase your risk of being bitten by an infected flea.
- 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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