Protect Yourself: Tips to Prevent Bubonic Plague in Colorado

Human Case of Bubonic Plague Confirmed in Colorado

A recent development in Pueblo County , Colorado , has revealed that a human case of the plague has been confirmed by health officials . The Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment ( PDPHE ) is collaborating with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to investigate the situation . Although specific information about the infected individual has not been disclosed , Alicia Solis , the program manager of the Office of Communicable Disease and Emergency Preparedness at PDPHE , has emphasized the importance of protecting oneself and pets from the plague.

The Bubonic plague , caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis , was likely introduced to North America around 1900 . Since then , it has become endemic in ground squirrels and rodents in the rural Southwestern U.S. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) reports that while the disease can impact individuals of all ages , half of the cases involve patients aged between 12 and 45 . Globally , between 1,000 and 2,000 plague cases are reported annually to the World Health Organization , with only an average of seven cases in the U.S. The fatality rate of the plague ranges from 30 % to 60 % if left untreated , but with antibiotics , it drops to below 5%.

Symptoms of the plague include severe headache , fever , chills , muscle aches , nausea , vomiting , and swollen lymph nodes . The disease can spread through droplets from an infected person to another and is often contracted from pets , rodents , and fleas . To prevent the plague , individuals are advised to avoid rodents and fleas whenever possible . Keeping pets indoors , leashing them when outdoors , and promptly treating flea infestations are recommended measures.

The PDPHE underscores the importance of seeking medical attention immediately if symptoms of the plague arise . While the disease is treatable with antibiotics , prompt treatment is crucial to prevent severe complications or death . The plague is relatively uncommon in the U.S. , with an estimated zero to 17 cases reported annually . Globally , the World Health Organization records between 1,000 and 3,000 cases of plague each year , primarily in the bubonic form of the disease.

In light of the recent case in Colorado , health authorities are urging vigilance and proactive measures to protect against the plague . Monitoring symptoms , avoiding exposure to infected animals , and seeking medical care promptly are essential steps in mitigating the risks associated with this potentially dangerous disease.