Yersinia pestis is Inactivated by Germicidal UV Light

Yersinia pestis specs


What is Yersinia pestis?

The infamous “Black Death” killed more than a thirdopen_in_new of Europe’s population in the 14th century. The cause? Yersinia pestis. Two lesser pandemics and several outbreaks throughout history also resulted from this pathogenic bacterium, resulting in innumerable deaths. Y. pestis still infects thousands of people each year, manifested in a disease simply known as “plague.” Today, antibiotic treatmentopen_in_new and modern health care are effective at treating the infection before it becomes life-threatening. In some countries outside the U.S., a vaccine is available to prevent the occurrence and severityopen_in_new of plague.

The pathogen originates in semi-arid grasslands and forestsopen_in_new and finds its host in numerous species of burrowing animals: mice, rats, squirrels, prairie dogs, chipmunks, rabbits, and ferrets. It is transmitted to humans primarily via the bite of infected fleas, who host the bacteria because they have bitten infected rodents. Domesticated cats and dogs may also spread the diseaseopen_in_new by bringing infected fleas into the home. The only person-to-person means of transmission occurs when an infected person coughs droplets of plague bacteriaopen_in_new into the air when standing in close proximity to another.


Where is it found?


Rodents

What can it infect?


Man with lungs and upper respiratory tract showing
Lungs
Man with heart and veins showing through skin
Blood
Lymph Nodes
Lymph Nodes

How does it spread?


Fleas
Nose breathing in respiratory droplets
Inhaling
Droplets
Cat
Infected Pets
Cat
Infected Pets

Preventing the Spread of Yersinia pestis

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends the following preventativesopen_in_new to avoid contracting plague:

  • Minimize the rodent population around your home by removing potential nests like piles of wood, junk, and rocks. Eliminate possible rodent food supplies such as exposed pet and animal food. Carefully seal up any possible rodent entries to your home.
  • Wear protective gear while skinning small, hunted animals.
  • Use flea repellent for clothing and skin while camping, hiking, or participating in outdoor activities.
  • Use flea control on your pets regularly. Bring sick pets to the vet immediately. Don’t allow pets with access to the outdoors in your bed.

If you have contracted plague or know of its presence in a particular area, take part in the following measures:

  • Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
  • Inform residents of cases of plague present in their environment.
  • Regularly wash your hands.

Get More Protection with UV Disinfection

In addition to the above preventative measures, germicidal ultraviolet (UV-C) air and surface disinfection can inactivate Yersinia pestis in high-risk areas such as rural locations with high rodent populations. Shop our products at AtlanticUltraviolet.comopen_in_new.

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Our germicidal lamps produce ultraviolet wavelengths at 254 nanometers, the region of maximum germicidal effectiveness. Read our FAQ blog post to learn more. See dosage data below.

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Yersinia pestis: Classification & UV-C Dose for Inactivation

Organism:Alternate Name:Type:Disease:UV Dose*:
Yersinia pestisPasteurella pestisBacteriaPlague2.6 mJ/cm2

* Nominal Ultraviolet dosage necessary to inactivate better than 99% of microorganisms. See sources below.

People at High Risk of Infection

While most of these infections occur in Africa and Asia, rural areas of the United States are also prone to instances of plague because of the plentiful rodent population. The plague primarily exists in three formsopen_in_new: Septicemic (infection of the blood), Pneumonic (infection of the lungs), and Bubonic (infection of the lymph nodes. The following people at high risk:

  • Those in places where small animals and fleas are present
  • Those in close proximity to infected people and animals
  • Healthcare workers manipulating lab cultures without proper apparel
  • Hunters skinning small animals

Yersinia pestis Symptoms

Plague is a serious infection with a wide array of symptoms and complications (see below for each of its forms), but if caught early, it can be successfully treated with common antibiotics.

Bubonic

  • Inflamed lymph nodes (Bubos)
  • Pus filled open sores
  • Chills
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Weakness

Pneumonic

  • Scattered dark bruises
  • High Fever
  • Headache
  • Weakness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Cough
  • Bloody mucus

Septicemic

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Weakness
  • Abdominal pain
  • Internal bleeding

Possible Complications from Yersinia pestis

Some Yersinia pestis infections can cause:

  • Shock
  • Kidney failure
  • Pneumonia
  • Death

Sources on Yersinia pestis

The above information can be found on the following pages.

Dosage Source

Sensitivity of Bacteria, Protozoa, Viruses, and Other Microorganisms to Ultraviolet Radiation. Journal of Research of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, Volume 126, Article No. 126021. August 20, 2021. View PDFopen_in_new

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