Bubonic plague-carrying fleas found on New York City rats
A study published this week looked into the parasites found on New York’s rats
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Spend any length of time in New York City and a rat will show its whiskery face or worm-like tail. It could be on the subway tracks or nibbling through the garbage on the side of the street. It could also be carrying the bubonic plague.
Scientists studying rats in New York found the flea that carries the plague - the Oriental rat flea - hosting on some of the city’s rat population, according to the study published Monday in the Journal of Medical Entomology.
Bubonic plague is infamous as one of the most devastating pandemics in world history, known as the Black Death. During the 14th Century, the plague killed between 25 million and 50 million people in Europe.
Before panic ensues, it must be noted that researchers found no trace of the plague or typhus – another disease carried by the Oriental rat flea – in any of the fleas they sampled. Check out the full report here.
The recent rat study was the first time since 1925 that scientists have studied the fleas and mites living on rats in New York City. Researchers did identify bacteria called Bartonella, which causes illness in humans, and other bacteria that can cause dermatitis.
While this study did not turn up any sign of bubonic plague in the fleas living on New York’s rats, bubonic plague has been found in the city. A study published earlier this year found the bacteria that causes the plague at an Uptown subway station. Read more about that study here.
Researchers in the study of the parasites living aboard New York rats recommended that they city try to reduce the rat population before the flea problem becomes worse. For those in the city, be on the lookout for more signs warning of Rodenticide.
Follow @PaytonGuion on Twitter.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments