Information for Persons Who May Have Been
Exposed to Plague (Yersinia pestis)

What is Plague?

Plague is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, which can be transmitted by respiratory droplets, through the bites of infected fleas or by direct contact with contaminated material through broken skin or mucous membranes.
Plague can occur in three forms:

	pneumonic (lung infection),
	bubonic (swollen glands),
	septicemic (blood stream infection).

If people have intentionally been exposed, as in a bioterrorist release, breathing in the bacteria is the most likely route of exposure that could lead to a serious infection (pneumonic plague).

How likely is it that I have actually been exposed to plague?

That depends on how the plague bacterium was released, where it was released, and where you were relative to the release site. As part of the investigation about the current situation, someone may be interviewing you or providing you with additional information to help determine your likelihood of exposure

How do I know if I need any treatment now?

You will need treatment only if it is determined that you were exposed or were likely to have been exposed to the plague bacteria. If you are determined to be at risk, you will be given antibiotics to try and prevent an infection from developing, along with verbal and written instructions about taking the antibiotics.

As a precaution, you should watch for the following symptoms for at least 7-10 days:

	Fever (temperature greater than 100oF)
	Flu-like symptoms (cough, fatigue, muscle aches), nausea or headache
	A swollen, painful gland (lymph node) in your groin or armpit.

Contact your health care provider and or your local public health department immediately if you develop any of these symptoms

Even if it was determined that you were not likely to have been exposed you should still watch for the above symptoms and contact health authorities if you develop them.

Do I need to worry about being contagious to others?

Pneumonic plague (caused by breathing in the bacteria) CAN be spread from person to person through respiratory droplets. If you develop symptoms of pneumonic plague you CAN be contagious to other persons.

Who can my health care provider or I call if we have questions or concerns?

Call the local health department or DHMH, 410-767-6700.

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Maryland Department of Health & Mental Hygiene — Epidemiology & Disease Control Program