Case Study 1 -- The Response

To follow up on our previous post about Mr Fudd and his family's mysterious illness...

Response:

If the specimen was initially tested in a sentinel clinical laboratory where analyses are unable to rule out a possible Bioterrorism agent (in this case, Yersinia pestis) using standard methods they would immediately refer suspicious isolates and specimens to their collaborating LRN reference laboratory.

Case Investigation:

Upon investigation the Fudd family was attending a family and friends reunion in New Mexico. One of the Fudd family traditions is to organize a wascially wabbit hunt the morning of the reunion, and dine on rabbit stew and other assorted rabbit dishes at that evening’s party.

In humans, Yersina pestis is most often acquired from the bite of infected fleas that feed from animal reservoir such as squirrels, rabbits, and prairie dogs. Although rare, there have been several documented reports of Y. pestis infection from the direct contact of contaminated meat products either through ingestion or inhalation.