The Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment (PDPHE) and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) are currently investigating a case of human plague based on preliminary testing results.
plague bacteria, known as Yersinia pestiswhich can be spread by fleas and wild rodents such as prairie dogs, squirrels, mice and rabbits.
According to the CDC, “Humans usually become infected through flea bites from infected rodents or by handling infected animals. Plague can be cured with antibiotics, but they must be given promptly to prevent serious illness or death .
Symptoms of plague include sudden fever and chills, severe headache, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting and a general feeling of malaise. Swollen lymph nodes along with pain are also common symptoms.
Plague can manifest in three forms: Montenegro disease Infect your lymph nodes, septicemic plague in your blood and pneumonic plague Affects your lungs. Health officials did not specify what type of case the Pueblo County case falls into.
Alicia Solis, project manager for the PDPHE Office of Communicable Disease and Emergency Preparedness, advises individuals to take precautions to protect themselves and their pets from plague.
Solis advises people on how to protect themselves and their pets from plague:
- Eliminate places around your home, garage, shed or recreation area where rodents can hide and breed. Clear brush, rock piles, trash and wood piles.
- Avoid contact with dead animals. If you must handle a sick or dead animal, follow these guidelines. First, apply insect repellent to protect yourself from fleas. Then use a long-handled shovel to place it into a garbage bag. Finally, place the bag in an outdoor trash can.
- Use an insect repellent containing 20%-30% DEET to prevent flea bites. Treat pants, socks, uppers, arms and legs.
- Don’t let pets sleep in the bed with you.
- Treat dogs and cats for fleas regularly. Flea collars have not been proven effective.
- Do not allow pets to hunt or roam in rodent areas, such as prairie dog habitat.
- Store pet food in rodent-proof containers.
“If you develop symptoms of plague, seek medical attention immediately. Plague can be successfully treated with antibiotics, but infected people must receive treatment immediately to avoid serious complications or death,” said Alicia Solis.
