What reservoir acts as a source of plague?

Scientists think that plague bacteria circulate at low rates within populations of certain rodents without causing excessive rodent die-off. These infected animals and their fleas serve as long-term reservoirs for the bacteria.

Why was the plague called the Black Death?

Because most people who got the plague died, and many often had blackened tissue due to gangrene, bubonic plague was called the Black Death.

How can we prevent the plague?

Remove brush, rock piles, junk, cluttered firewood, and possible rodent food supplies, such as pet and wild animal food. Make your home and outbuildings rodent-proof. Wear gloves if you are handling or skinning potentially infected animals to prevent contact between your skin and the plague bacteria.

What are the three provided options for what caused the Black Death 1/2 3?

Yersinia causes three types of plague in humans: bubonic, pneumonic, and septicemic. Although there is DNA evidence that Yersinia was present in victims of the Black Death, it is uncertain which form the majority of the infection took. It is likely that all three played some role in the pandemic.

What is a reservoir of a disease?

Reservoir. The reservoir of an infectious agent is the habitat in which the agent normally lives, grows, and multiplies. Reservoirs include humans, animals, and the environment. The reservoir may or may not be the source from which an agent is transferred to a host.

How did the plague start?

The plague is thought to have originated in Asia over 2,000 years ago and was likely spread by trading ships, though recent research has indicated the pathogen responsible for the Black Death may have existed in Europe as early as 3000 B.C. READ MORE: See all pandemic coverage here.

How do you avoid the plague in 1665?

How did people try to prevent themselves from catching the plague? Many tried holding small bunches of flowers to their noses, to stop themselves from breathing in bacteria. Some people wore lucky charms, such as a dead toad around their necks.

Did rats start the plague?

Scientists now believe the plague spread too fast for rats to be the culprits. Rats have long been blamed for spreading the Black Death around Europe in the 14th century.

Is water a reservoir of infection?

Abstract. Hospital water may serve as a reservoir of healthcare-associated pathogens, and contaminated water can lead to outbreaks and severe infections. The clinical features of waterborne outbreaks and infections as well as prevention strategies and control measures are reviewed.

How do you break the chain of infection?

Break the chain by cleaning your hands frequently, staying up to date on your vaccines (including the flu shot), covering coughs and sneezes and staying home when sick, following the rules for standard and contact isolation, using personal protective equipment the right way, cleaning and disinfecting the environment.