Plague, Pediatric

Amaran Moodley, MD Reviewed 10/2018

BASICS

DESCRIPTION

Plague is an enzootic disease transmitted by fleas from wild rodents and caused by Yersinia pestis. Humans and their pets can enter this cycle, resulting in human plague. Human plagu...

DIAGNOSIS

The diagnosis of plague requires a high index of suspicion and a thorough review of the patient’s lifestyle, travel history, and recent activities.

HISTORY

A thorough travel history (especial...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

For septic patients in shock, initial attention should be given to airway management and fluid resuscitation, then antibiotics.

MEDICATION

Immediate antibiotic treatment, even...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Resolution of symptoms should begin in the first 3 days after initiation of therapy; however, the rate of clinical improvement depends on the initial severity of ...

ADDITIONAL READING

Butler T. Plague into the 21st century. Clin Infect Dis. 2009;49(5):736–742. [View Abstract on OvidInsights]
Gage KL, Dennis DT, Orloski KA, et al. Cases of cat-associated huma...

CODES

ICD9

020.9 Plague, unspecified
020.0 Bubonic plague
020.2 Septicemic plague
020.5 Pneumonic plague, unspecified
020.1 Cellulocutaneous plague
020.4 Secondary pneumonic plague
020.8 Other specified type...

FAQ

Q: Can one determine the risks of being exposed to plague during international travel?
A: Yes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides a service that contains updated informat...

Subscribe to Access Full Content

START 10-DAY FREE TRIAL

Subscribe Now

Forgot password?

Enter an Access Code

GET CME/CE