California Reports First Case of Bubonic Plague in More Than Twenty Years; National Pest Management Association Gives Tips to Avoid Common Carrier.FAIRFAX, Va. -- A case of the Bubonic Plague bubonic plague: see plague. bubonic plague ravages Oran, Algeria, where Dr. Rieux perseveres in his humanitarian endeavors. [Fr. Lit.: The Plague] See : Disease was reported last week in Los Angeles County, California Los Angeles County is a county in California and is by far the most populous county in the United States. Figures from the U.S. Census Bureau give an estimated 2006 population of 9,948,081 residents,[1] while the California State government's population bureau lists a for the first time since 1984. The National Pest Management Association The National Pest Management Association (NPMA), a non-profit organization with more than 5,000 members, was established in 1933 to support the professional pest control industry’s commitment to the protection of public health, food and property, reflected both in the (NPMA NPMA National Pest Management Association NPMA National Property Management Association NPMA National Petroleum Management Association NPMA National Project Management Association NPMA Non-Preemptive Multiple Access NPMA National Podiatric Medical Association ) warns that flea populations, the most common transmitter of this illness, are on the rise, especially during warmer months. "Fleas are parasites that feast on any warm-blooded body, including humans," said Cindy Mannes, vice president of public affairs for NPMA. "Fleas and flea-infested animals were the cause of the Bubonic Plague, which wiped out much of Europe during the Middle Ages." While the plague is an extremely rare disease today, fleas also transmit a bacterial disease, murine typhus murine typhus n. A comparatively mild, acute, endemic form of typhus caused by the microorganism Rickettsia typhi, transmitted from rats to humans by fleas and characterized by fever, headache, and muscular pain. Also called endemic typhus. , to humans through infected rats. Most commonly, homeowners with flea infestations will find themselves with itchy, painful red bumps resulting from fleabites. "If a person has a flea infestation infestation /in·fes·ta·tion/ (-fes-ta´shun) parasitic attack or subsistence on the skin and/or its appendages, as by insects, mites, or ticks; sometimes used to denote parasitic invasion of the organs and tissues, as by helminths. , it is time to call a professional pest control company to treat the problem quickly and effectively. If someone has a severe reaction to flea bites, they should take precaution and seek immediate medical attention," said Mannes. NPMA offers these tips to help avoid flea infestations: --Clean and vacuum frequently to help remove flea populations already in existence and discourage egg laying --Keep your lawn groomed. Untended lawns provide hiding spots and food sources for rodents and other animals that may harbor fleas. --Fleas hitch rides with mammals on the move, including rodents. If you have a rodent problem in your home or on your property, fleas may be soon to follow. Call a pest professional to rid your home of both. --If you have pets, keep them leashed when outside. Visit a veterinarian veterinarian /vet·er·i·nar·i·an/ (vet?er-i-nar´e-an) a person trained and authorized to practice veterinary medicine and surgery; a doctor of veterinary medicine. vet·er·i·nar·i·an n. annually, bathe and groom your pets regularly, and use flea treatments according to direction. The NPMA, a non-profit organization with more than 5,000 members, was established in 1933 to support the pest management industry's commitment to the protection of public health, food and property, reflected both in the continuing education of the pest professional and the dissemination of timely information to homeowners. For more information, visit www.pestworld.org. |
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