Plague in a neonate
M. E. White, R. J. Rosenbaum, T. M. Canfield and J. D. Poland
More than half of the cases of plague in the United States are diagnosed in
children. In the 1970s, 105 cases were reported, a 350% increase over the
1960s. Plague should be considered in the differential diagnosis of
children from the western United States who have sepsis, especially those
with lymphadenopathy. Complications of plague include meningitis, metabolic
encephalopathy, abscess, and pneumonia. With appropriate treatment, prompt
clinical response usually occurs. Careful isolation and epidemiologic
investigation are essential to prevent the spread of the disease.