Peru: Plague-infected rodents in Chocope

Event

The Peruvian National Institute of Health (INS) reported in recent days that some sewer rodents in Chocope district (Ascope province) carry fleas infected with Yersina pestis, the bacteria known to cause bubonic plague. In Chocope's Panamericana Norte sector, some 18 percent of fleas on sewer rodents reportedly carry the plague-causing bacteria.

Accordingly, the Peruvian Ministry of Health will carry out a fumigation operation in 160 homes in the Panamericana Norte sector on Friday, December 1, and Saturday, December 2, from 08:00 to 17:00 (local time), to kill the fleas and prevent a potential outbreak of plague. No suspected cases of plague have yet been reported in Ascope province, according to regional health authorities.

Context

Plague is a bacterial infection that typically affects rodents and is most often transmitted from rodents to other animals and humans via flea bites. Bubonic plague is the most common form of the disease, characterized by swollen lymph nodes and flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, headache, fatigue, muscle aches); it is fatal in 30 to 60 percent of cases. Plague can be treated with antibiotics.

Advice

Individuals in Peru's Ascope province should continue to take measures to protect themselves from insect bites (use insect repellents, wear long sleeved shirts and pants, etc.), maintain strict standards of sanitation (cleanliness to discourage presence of rodents, elimination of rodent habitats outdoors - e.g. brush, rock piles, pet food, etc.), use flea control products on all pets, and avoid contact with potentially infected persons. Anyone presenting with the above symptoms is advised to seek immediate medical attention.