Rodents and other small mammal reservoirs in plague foci in northeastern Brazil.

Introduction: Plague is an acute, infectious zoonotic disease, primarily of wild rodents and their fleas, that affects humans and other mammals. In Brazil, several plague foci are located in the northeast region. Plague surveillance based on monitoring of rodents was discontinued in 2007, and the current information on rodent populations is unsatisfactory.

Seroprevalence of hantavirus and Yersinia pestis antibodies in professionals from the Plague control program.

Introduction: Professionals who handle rodents in the field and in the laboratory are at risk of infection by the microorganis mharbored by these animals.

Methods: Serum samples from professionals involved in rodent and Yersinia pestis handling in field or laboratory work were analyzed to determine hantavirus and plague seroprevalence and to establish a relationship between these activities and reports of illnesses.

Results: Two individuals had antibodies against hantavirus, and two harbored antibodie against the plague; none of the individuals had experienced an illness related to their duties.