Pueblo County in Colorado recently confirmed a case of the plague in an individual, sparking concerns about the potential source of the infection. The Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment disclosed the situation on Tuesday after initial test results raised red flags.
The plague, caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis and transmitted by fleas, gained notoriety during the Middle Ages with the devastating outbreak known as “The Black Death.” While the disease primarily affects wild rodents, human infections are rare in modern times, as highlighted by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Humans can contract the plague through flea bites, contact with infected animals, or exposure to respiratory droplets from infected individuals. Prompt medical attention is crucial for anyone experiencing symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and swollen, painful lymph nodes.
According to Alicia Solis, program manager at the Office of Communicable Disease and Emergency Preparedness, timely treatment with antibiotics is essential to prevent severe complications or fatalities. The department urges individuals to safeguard themselves and their pets against the plague.
Eliminating places that attract wild rodents and taking precautions around pets can minimize the risk of transmission. This includes treating pets for fleas, storing pet food securely, and preventing pets from accessing rodent-infested areas or sharing sleeping spaces with humans.
Although a plague vaccine is not currently available in the United States, ongoing efforts are underway to develop new vaccines in the future. Despite the relatively low number of reported cases in Colorado and worldwide, vigilance and proactive measures remain crucial in preventing the spread of this rare but potentially lethal disease.