Case Definitions

• Confirmed Case
• Confirmatory isolation of Y. pestis.
• Clinically compatible syndrome.
• Immunohistochemical staining of the organism can be considered confirmatory when isolation or serological confirmation is not possible.
• Laboratory confirmation is especially important for the first cases in a geographic area, as they will lead to treatment and isolation of additional suspected cases, post or preexposure prophylaxis of those exposed, and other control measures.
• Contact your public health department immediately if you suspect plague so that the proper measures can be taken as early as possible. It is required by law to report any suspect plague cases to CDC within 24 hours of the initial examination.