Human case of plague confirmed in Colorado

The Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment, in collaboration with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, has confirmed a human case of plague in a Pueblo County, Colorado, resident.

The source of the infection is still under investigation.

This ancient disease, though rare, is still present today. Here’s what you need to know about how plague is transmitted, the treatments available, and protective measures you can take.

Plague symptoms

Typical symptoms of plague include sudden fever and chills, severe headache, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting and a feeling of illness. A common symptom of plague is also swollen lymph nodes with pain.

Transmission of the plague

The plague is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. It primarily affects rodents, but humans can become infected through the following ways:

• Flea bites. The most common method of transmission is through the bites of infected fleas. These fleas typically infest wild rodents, such as squirrels, prairie dogs, and rats. When an infected rodent dies, the fleas seek new hosts, potentially biting humans and transmitting the bacteria. (This is most likely the reason for the Colorado incident.)
• Contact with infected animals. Direct contact with tissues or fluids from infected animals, including handling carcasses or being scratched or bitten by infected pets like cats, can lead to infection.
• Inhalation. In rare cases, humans can contract the plague by inhaling respiratory droplets from a person or animal with pneumonic plague, a severe form affecting the lungs.

Treatment

Thankfully, antibiotics are very effective against the plague, but it’s important to begin treatment promptly. Contact your doctor if you experience headaches, fever, fatigue, weakness, cough, chills, or swollen lymph nodes.

Prevention tips

To reduce the risk of becoming infected with the plague, take these preventive measures:

• Avoid wild rodents and their habitats. Stay away from areas with known rodent populations—especially if you see many deceased rodents, which can indicate a plague outbreak.
• Use flea control on pets. Regularly treat pets with flea control products and avoid letting them roam or hunt rodents.
• Wear gloves. If you must handle potentially infected animals or their remains, wear gloves and other protective gear to prevent direct contact with bodily fluids.
• Use insect repellent. Apply insect repellent containing DEET to your skin and clothing when spending time outdoors in areas where plague is known to occur.
• Report sick or dead animals. Notify the RV park manager or local health authorities if you encounter unusually large numbers of dead animals, particularly rodents, as you travel. Keep your pets well away from these areas.
• Stay informed. Pay attention to public health announcements and heed any advisories about plague outbreaks in your region.

Thankfully, the plague is rare and treatable. Awareness and preventive actions are key to avoiding infection. By taking precautions, you can minimize your risk and ensure that you and your pets stay safe as you RV together.

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