Plague: Introduction

Course information

Overview: Plague is a zoonotic disease caused by the bacteria Yersinia pestis, found in small mammals. It is transmitted between animals by their fleas. The bacteria, the animal reservoir and the vector in a given area are collectively called a “plague natural focus”. Humans can become infected by being bitten by infected fleas direct contact with infected fluids or tissue from a host inhalation of respiratory droplet.

This course provides a general introduction to the disease through downloadable presentations, transcripts, and quizzes that can be reviewed at your own pace.

Learning objective: By the end of this course participants should be able to:

• describe the transmission cycle of the disease;
• explain the difference between bubonic plague and pneumonic plague;
• describe the public health concerns of plague

Course duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Certificates: A Confirmation of Participation is available to participants who complete at least 80% of the course materials.

Course contents

• Plague:

  Plague is a zoonotic disease with severe clinical presentations caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis.