In advanced stages, the sputum of pneumonic plague patients
contains large numbers of plague bacilli, and the coughing patient
can spread infection via respiratory droplets to persons in
close direct contact. Therefore, respiratory droplet precautions
should be taken with any suspect case.
If you have reason to suspect you have a plague case, even
in endemic areas, your health department should be contacted
immediately so that control measures can begin.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
Tel: 404-639-3311 • Public Inquiries: 800-CDC-INFO • TTY: 888-232-6348