Plague
Plague is spread to people through the bite of infected fleas or by handling an animal infected with plague. This disease is not spread in Connecticut; however, residents can acquire it by traveling to other areas of the United States and other countries. In the US, most cases of plague occur in rural areas of the 4-corner states of New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado and Utah. Epidemics have been reported in Africa, Asia, and South America. Plague is a serious disease; however, it is treatable with antibiotics.
Information for Clinicians
National Surveillance Case Definition
Connecticut Provider Reporting Information – Category 1 disease, call DPH to report
Reportable Disease Confidential Case Report form, PD-23
Connecticut Laboratory Reporting Information
Reportable Laboratory Findings form OL-15C
Directory of Clinical Testing Services provided by the State Public Health Laboratory
State Public Health Laboratory Contacts – for additional information
Connecticut Plague Surveillance
The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) has conducted surveillance for plague for over 40 years. It is a very rare disease reported in Connecticut, with only one case reported since 1980.
Connecticut Annual Infectious Diseases Statistics
This page last updated 6/8/2020.