Bubonic Plague Causes: Yersinia Pestis
Yersinia pestis are Gram-negative bacteria found in certain parts of the world, primarily Africa, Asia, and South America. It causes about 1,000 to 3,000 plague cases each year. Between 10 to 20 of these cases are in the United States, most commonly in rural areas of the Southwest.
Yersinia pestis is found most often in rats, but occasionally in other animals. Other animals known to carry the bacteria include:
- Mice
- Fleas
- Lice
- Prairie dogs
- Cats
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- Squirrels
- Wood rats
- Chipmunks.