What is the recommended post-exposure prophylaxis for plague exposure?

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Multiple Choice

What is the recommended post-exposure prophylaxis for plague exposure?

Post-exposure prophylaxis is used to prevent plague in people who have had significant exposure, especially after contact with a case of pneumonic plague. The best choice is doxycycline or ciprofloxacin given for about 7 days after exposure. Doxycycline works well against Yersinia pestis and is convenient to take, while ciprofloxacin is another effective option with good tissue penetration. These regimens are chosen because they reliably reduce the risk of developing plague when started promptly after exposure. Amoxicillin isn’t effective against plague bacteria, so it wouldn’t prevent disease. Acyclovir targets viruses, not bacteria, and has no role in plague prophylaxis. Declaring that no prophylaxis is needed would leave exposed individuals at risk, especially given the potential for rapid spread with pneumonic plague.

Post-exposure prophylaxis is used to prevent plague in people who have had significant exposure, especially after contact with a case of pneumonic plague. The best choice is doxycycline or ciprofloxacin given for about 7 days after exposure. Doxycycline works well against Yersinia pestis and is convenient to take, while ciprofloxacin is another effective option with good tissue penetration. These regimens are chosen because they reliably reduce the risk of developing plague when started promptly after exposure.

Amoxicillin isn’t effective against plague bacteria, so it wouldn’t prevent disease. Acyclovir targets viruses, not bacteria, and has no role in plague prophylaxis. Declaring that no prophylaxis is needed would leave exposed individuals at risk, especially given the potential for rapid spread with pneumonic plague.

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