Sylvatic plague, still another form, is carried by other rodents, e.g., squirrels, rabbits, chipmunks, in rural or wooded areas where they are prevalent. An overwhelming infection of the blood may cause death in three or four days, even before other symptoms appear. Such antibiotics as streptomycin and tetracycline greatly reduce the mortality rate. Vaccine is available for preventive purposes.
Rodent control is important in areas of known infection.
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