Peru: Plague death reported in Lambayeque region

Event

The Regional Health Management of Lambayeque recently reported the first human plague death in the region in over two decades. According to health officials, the victim contracted septicemic plague, which later became pneumonic plague, from a flea bite while visiting the Salas district, and later died on July 6. Health officials have reportedly taken measures to control the spread of the disease.

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. Septicemic plague occurs when the bacteria infect the bloodstream; symptoms include abdominal pain, extreme weakness, bleeding, and blackened skin. Pneumonic plague occurs when the bacteria infects the lungs; symptoms include fever, headache, weakness, pneumonia, chest pain, shortness of breath, cough, and sometimes bloody or watery mucous. It is the most virulent form of the disease and can be spread from person to person. Without prompt and effective treatment, pneumonic plague is always fatal. Plague can be treated with antibiotics.

Advice

Individuals in Peru should continue to take measures to protect themselves from insect bites (i.e. 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.