This acute bacterial disease is primarily transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected rodent flea, but can be transmitted by person-to-person contact (through infected bodily secretions), or through contact with an infected animal or animal carcass. Plague is present in many areas including Africa, Asia and the Americas. The risk of exposure for the average traveler is very small, particularly if travel is limited to urban areas with modern hotel accommodations. The risk of exposure increases for travelers to rural, mountainous, or upland areas where plague is reported. During the recent outbreak of this disease in India, there were no visitors from foreign countries who acquired the disease.

Vaccination/Precautions

Preventive measures include selective vaccination, regular use of flea powders on domestic animals and avoidance of fleas and rodents. During periods of exposure in endemic areas, tetracycline 500 mg can be taken 4 times a day as prophylaxis.