Global & Disaster Medicine

In August 2015, plague was diagnosed for 2 persons (septicemic and bubonic) who had visited Yosemite National Park in California, USA.

November 19th, 2016

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Human plague cases in the United States, 1970-2012. All naturally occurring cases of human plague occur in the western United States, with a majority of cases clustering in northern New Mexico and Arizona and southern Colorado.

A person wearing a hat, a mask suggestive of a bird beak, goggles or glasses, and a long gown.

A person wearing a hat, a mask suggestive of a bird beak, goggles or glasses, and a long gown. The clothing identifies the person as a “plague doctor” and is intended as protection. Descriptions indicate that the gown was made from heavy fabric or leather and was usually waxed. The beak contained pungent substances like herbs or perfumes, thought at the time to purify the air and helpful in relieving the stench. The person also carries a pointer or rod to keep patients at a distance. (Library of Medicine)

Graph showing human plague cases and deaths in the United States, 2000 to 2014. There were 6 cases in 2000, 2 in 2001, 2 in 2002, 1 in 2003, 3 in 2004 with 1 death, 17 in 2006 with 2 deaths, 7 in 2007 with 2 deaths, 3 in 2008, 8 in 2009 with 2 deaths, 2 in 2010, 3 in 2011, 4 in 2012, 4 in 2013 with 1 death, and 10 in 2014.

 

This entry was posted on Saturday, November 19th, 2016 at 11:46 am and is filed under Plague .
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