The “Black Death,” or bubonic plague, is often thought of as a thing of the past, but according to public health officials, this isn’t the case. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are an average of seven human cases of plague reported each year in the United States.
Concerns about the bubonic plague and fleas have surfaced again in recent years. In Arizona, fleas found on wild rodents have tested positive for the zoonotic bacterium Yersinia pestis, the known cause of the disease.
If you have a problem with fleas around your home or property, contact Western Exterminator’s flea exterminators today to discuss our flea control and prevention solutions.
History class has given rats a bad reputation for being responsible for spreading “The Black Death,” when in reality, the fleas carried by the rats are the primary culprit. The rodents are at just as much of a risk as we are. The warm climate of the Southwest United States creates an environment in which the Yersinia pestis bacteria can thrive, especially on the backs of the prevalent wild rodent population of the area. Thus, this area of the United States must take caution.
Although rare, human plague cases are still reported each year. In the U.S., most cases occur in rural parts of the Southwest, where people or pets may come into contact with infected animals, such as chipmunks, squirrels, or rabbits.
The World Health Organization (WHO) tracks thousands of cases worldwide each year, with outbreaks in places like Madagascar and the Democratic Republic of Congo. While not common in North America, an average of seven human cases per year are reported in the United States.
Bubonic plague is a curable bacterial disease that requires immediate treatment with antibiotics. Gentamicin and fluoroquinolones are typically the first-line treatments used to target the infection. Prompt treatment can stop the disease from spreading to the bloodstream or lungs.
However, if left untreated, bubonic plague can become septicemic or pneumonic, both of which are more dangerous. Seek medical help immediately if you suspect exposure, especially if symptoms such as painful lymph nodes or a high fever appear.
The bubonic plague is a bacterial disease that first appeared in the early 1300s across parts of Asia and the Middle East. It reached Europe in 1347 through trading ships and killed more than 20 million people over five years. At the time, there were no antibiotics or proper sanitation to slow its spread.
Today, the plague is treatable with antibiotics, but it’s still a dangerous disease. The bacterium Yersinia pestis infects the lymph nodes. If untreated, it can enter the bloodstream and spread through the body. The risk increases with pneumonic plague, where the infection can spread through droplets when a person coughs.
If you live in an area where the disease is present in the wildlife, routine pest control can help reduce your exposure risk.
The plague spreads when infected fleas bite rodents, pets, or people. Fleas carrying the bacterium Yersinia pestis often live on wild rodents like rats, ground squirrels, or prairie dogs. When these animals die, the fleas leave their hosts and look for new food sources, sometimes biting people or other animals.
During outbreaks elsewhere in the world, the Oriental rat flea is most often linked to plague transmission. However, in the United States, it is the ground squirrel flea that is most likely to spread the bacteria.
Limiting exposure to both fleas and wild rodents is key. Learn more about how to get rid of a flea infestation, and call in Western Exterminator for help if necessary.
The bubonic plague is named after the “buboes,” or swollen lymph nodes, that develop in the groin, armpit, or neck soon after transmission of the disease. Symptoms typically arise two to six days after exposure to the bacteria. The following is a list of possible symptoms of bubonic plague:
With prompt diagnosis and treatment, bubonic plague is curable. Seek medical assistance at the first sign that you might be infected.
Flea bites are small, red bumps surrounded by a halo of similar color. They are very itchy and are often found on the legs or feet. Unlike mosquito bites that are often isolated, flea bites will generally occur in clusters.
To reduce your risk of flea bites, try to avoid exposure to potentially infected animals, wild rodents, and the fleas that live on them. If you're in a high-risk area, consider these tips:
Western Exterminator offers both residential and commercial pest control services, which can help prevent fleas from entering your home, yard, and businesses. Our pest control experts are trained to recognize and manage risk from fleas.
Fleas aren’t just a problem for pets; they can affect anyone. Keeping your home and outdoor space clean and protected is key to lowering your risk of fleas and the diseases they may carry.
Try the following steps:
Homes without pets can still get fleas. This is especially true if there are certain wild animals or dead animals nearby. Regular pest control inspections can spot risks early.
Fleas can be very difficult to get rid of. However, if you’d like to try it yourself, there are a few things you can try. These remedies often do not work on their own, but they provide a great starting point.
The best solution for getting rid of fleas is to call in the experts. Western Exterminator pest control technicians can offer advice and provide solutions that will get rid of the fleas and provide solutions to stop them from coming back. Contact Western Exterminator today!
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