Time: 2024-07-14
A human case of the plague has been confirmed in Pueblo County , Colorado , according to health officials . The Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment ( PDPHE ) is investigating the case in collaboration with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment . No specific information was provided about the individual who contracted the plague.
The Bubonic plague is caused by Yersinia pestis , a bacterium that was likely introduced to North America in the early 1900s . Since then , it has become endemic in ground squirrels and rodents in the rural Southwestern U.S. Half of the cases involve patients between the ages of 12 and 45 . Globally , between 1,000 and 2,000 cases of plague are reported each year , with only an average of seven cases reported in the U.S. If left untreated , the plague has a fatality rate of 30 % to 60 % , but with antibiotics , that 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 individual . The more common risk of exposure in the U.S. is from pets , rodents , and fleas . Preventing the plague involves avoiding rodents and fleas whenever possible , keeping pets indoors , leashed if outdoors , and treating them promptly for fleas . Hunters should take precautions when skinning animals and wash their hands afterward . It is also recommended to keep pet food in rodent - proof containers and not allowing pets to sleep in bed.
Alicia Solis , program manager at PDPHE , advises individuals to protect themselves and their pets from the plague . Erica Susky , a certified infection control practitioner , recommends wearing repellent when spending time outdoors to minimize potential flea bites . Anyone who develops symptoms of plague should seek immediate medical attention , as the disease can be successfully treated with antibiotics . Health officials emphasize the importance of prompt treatment to avoid serious complications or death.
In conclusion , the recent case of the plague in Colorado serves as a reminder of the ongoing threat of this disease . It is crucial for individuals to take precautions to prevent exposure and seek medical help if symptoms develop . By following the advice of health officials and practicing good hygiene , the risk of contracting the bubonic plague can be minimized.
Business
