How to Prevent Pneumonic Plague

DebDavies | Aug 31, 2009 |

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There are steps to take to prevent the pneumonic plague from spreading. The pneumonic plague is caused by Yersinia pestis, which is the same bacteria responsible for causing the "Black Death", or bubonic plague, that killed so many. There has been a recent outbreak in China, leading to the quarantine of an entire area. There are preventative measures that can be taken to prevent further spread of this form of plague that spreads from human to human.

Things You Will Need

Flea killer spray
Mask
Gloves
Isolation

Wear facial masks and gloves in areas where there is close contact within a small, crowded area in locations where pneumonic plague has been verified. Follow other universal safety precautions such as frequent hand washing and not touching the face after coming into contact with surfaces that may be covered in the bacteria. It is spread from human to human, usually through coughing or being breathed on by an infected person.

Isolate, or quarantine any infected individuals and ask their caretakers to undergo voluntary quarantine to prevent the disease from spreading further. It is treatable with antibiotics, isolation will not be for an exceptionally long period of time, as it once would have been.

Spray all yards and grassy areas for fleas, treat pets and implement rodent control plans. While not typical, a bite from a flea carrying bubonic plague can lead to pneumonic plague if the bacteria travels to the lungs. Individuals can prevent the disease by following safety measures used to avoid bubonic plague.