Human Plague Case Confirmed in Colorado: Prompt Treatment Urged

Infection Spread by Pets, Rodents, and Fleas

Health officials have confirmed a human case of the plague in Pueblo County, Colorado. This bacterial infection, typically transmitted by pets, rodents, and fleas, has prompted a swift response from local authorities.

Health Department Response

The Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment (PDPHE) is working with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to investigate this case. Details about the infected individual remain undisclosed.

Statement from PDPHE:
“We recommend everyone protect themselves and their pets from plague,” stated Alicia Solis, program manager of PDPHE’s Office of Communicable Disease and Emergency Preparedness.

What is the Plague?

Bubonic plague, caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, likely arrived in North America around 1900 via rats on ships from South Asia. Since then, it has become endemic among ground squirrels and rodents in the rural Southwestern U.S.

• Age Group Most Affected: Half of the cases involve individuals aged 12 to 45, according to the CDC.
• Global and U.S. Statistics: The World Health Organization records between 1,000 and 2,000 cases annually, with the U.S. averaging seven cases per year.
• Fatality Rate: If untreated, the plague has a 30% to 60% fatality rate. Antibiotics can reduce this to below 5%.

Symptoms and Transmission

Symptoms include:

• Severe headache
• Fever and chills
• Muscle aches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Swollen lymph nodes

Transmission:

• The plague can spread through droplets from an infected person.
• Pets, rodents, and fleas pose the most common exposure risks in the U.S. Pets can contract the disease from infected fleas or rodents and transmit it to their owners through bites or illness.
• Hunting also presents a risk, as skinning animals can spread the bacterium via infected body fluids.
• Inhaling dust contaminated by rodent urine or feces can cause infection.

Preventing the Plague

Avoiding rodents and fleas is key to prevention. Rodent-proof your home by blocking entry points and hiding places.

Tips for Prevention:

• Pet Care: Keep pets indoors or on a leash outdoors. Treat pets promptly for flea infestations and seek veterinary care if they become ill.
• Hunting Precautions: Hunters should wear gloves, wash hands, and change clothes after skinning animals.
• Home Safety: Store pet food in rodent-proof containers and avoid allowing pets to sleep in bed.
• Outdoor Safety: Use insect repellent to minimize bites when outdoors, as fleas can transmit the bacterium through bites.

What to Do if You Have Symptoms

Anyone exhibiting plague symptoms should consult a healthcare provider immediately. Prompt antibiotic treatment is crucial to avoid severe complications or death.