1) You work in a hospital in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
A 4-year-old patient is brought in. His parents report acute onset
fever, malaise, and body aches for the past 2 days. He has had
an extremely tender lymph node under the arm that has swollen
to 2 inches in diameter. The patient is exhibiting some neurologic
symptoms as well.
You suspect this is a naturally occurring case of plague meningitis.
What should you do first?
The best choice is C. Even if plague is not endemic
in your area, you should as quickly as possible, report any suspected
case to your local health department.
The
best choice is C. While you might consider ruling out other
causes of the meningitis, if you have reason to suspect plague, you
should isolate your patient and contact your health department as soon
as possible.
Correct.
The patient should be placed into isolation until pneumonic
plague can also be ruled out. Any suspicion of plague should cause you
to contact public health as soon as possible 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
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