Bubonic Plague Strikes Colorado, Health Officials Confirm

Health officials from Pueblo County in Colorado have confirmed a human case of bubonic plague after launching an investigation into the bacteria's presence last week. Officials have now urged anyone with symptoms to seek medical attention.

Read more: What Is a Health Savings Account?

Bubonic plague is caused by a bacterium called Yersinia pestis, which is transmitted by fleas and cycles naturally through wild rodents. People can get infected from the bites of infected fleas, by touching infected animals, or inhaling droplets from the cough of an infected person or animal.

Symptoms include sudden fever, chills, muscle and headaches, nausea, vomiting, and swollen and painful lymph nodes.

"Plague can be treated successfully with antibiotics, but an infected person must be treated promptly to avoid serious complications or death," Alicia Solis said in a statement. She is program manager of the Office of Communicable Disease and Emergency Preparedness at the Pueblo County Department for Public Health and Environment.

Read more: Start Growing Your Emergency Fund Today

On July 5, the Pueblo health department launched an investigation into a human case of the disease after preliminary test results indicated the presence of the bacteria. On July 8, the department confirmed that the case was positive.

Between 2005 and 2021, the state of Colorado has reported only one human case of bubonic plague. However, in 2021 alone, there were 10 cases of the plague in animals.

Read more: Compare the Top Health Savings Account (HSA) Providers

"We advise all individuals to protect themselves and their pets from plague," said Solis. She added that some steps you can take:

• Eliminate places that rodents can hide and breed around your home, garage, shed or recreation area. Remove brush, rock piles, trash, and piles of lumber.
• Avoid contact with dead animals. If you must handle sick or dead animals, follow these guidelines. First, put on an insect repellent to protect yourself from fleas. Then use a long-handled shovel to place it in a garbage bag. Lastly, place the bag in an outdoor garbage can.
• Use insect repellent that contains 20 to 30 percent DEET to prevent flea bites. Treat pants, socks, shoe tops, arms, and legs.
• Do not let pets sleep in 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 colonies.
• Keep pet food in rodent-proof containers.

If you develop plague symptoms, you should contact your health provider immediately.

Is there a health problem that's worrying you? Let us know via health@newsweek.com. We can ask experts for advice, and your story could be featured in Newsweek.