Emergency Preparedness

Kern Medical Bioterrorism Response Guide Section 2-B – PLAGUE ( YERSINIA PESTIS ) PLAGUE – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIO NS (FAQ)

What is plague? The bacteria (germs) that cause plague are normally transmitted (spread) to humans by infected fleas. If the bacteria were intentionally released into the air they could be inhaled (breathed) into your lungs and cause a severe infection such as pneumonia. Is plague spread from person-to-person? The infection is spread from person-to-person by close contact (with 3 feet) with the infected person who coughs the bacteria from the lungs into the air. How will I know if I was exposed to the bacteria? That will depend on how the bacteria were released into the air, where the bacteria were released, and where you were relative to the release site. The further away you were from the release site, the less likely it will be that you were exposed. If you have close contact with an infected person (within 3 feet), the local health department may determine that you have been exposed. How soon will symptoms develop (incubation period)? The symptoms may start withi n 1 - 6 days after you breathe the bacteria into your lungs. What are the symptoms of infection? The symptoms include sudden onset of high fever, chills, headache, extreme fatigue, muscle aches, and a cough that may be bloody. How is the infection treated? If you have the infection, your health care provider (doctor or nurse) will give you an antibiotic. How is the infection prevented? If the local health department determines that you were exposed to the bacteria, you will be offered an antibiotic. Even if you take the antibiotic, you may develop the infection. If you develop symptoms of the infection such as fever or bloody cough while you are taking the antibiotic, you should go to the nearest emergency service center or hospital immediately.

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