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Colorado health officials are investigating plague activity in a handful of counties, with plague-related causes behind a child’s death.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has noted laboratory-confirmed reports of fleas and animals infected with plague in areas such as La Plata County, where the 10-year-old has died. .
Plague, caused by the bacteria Yersinia pestis, can be spread to humans and pets through bites from infected fleas or through contact with infected animals, according to a statement released Thursday. Colorado health officials expect the fleas to test positive for plague during the summer.
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The disease is treatable if caught early, but according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “without prompt treatment, the disease can cause serious illness or death.” Symptoms involve a sudden fever and spikes in fever or swollen lymph nodes.
“Awareness and precautions can help prevent disease in humans. Although it is rare for people to contract the plague, we want to make sure everyone is aware of the symptoms,” said Jennifer House, epidemiologist at Deputy State and Public Health Veterinarian for the CDPHE, in a statement. “Tell a healthcare practitioner if you think you have symptoms of plague or if you think you have been exposed.”
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Preventive measures include avoiding fleas and areas where wild rodents live, avoiding sick or dead animals, and preventing rodent infestations around the house. According to the CDC, “human plague infections continue to occur in rural areas of the western United States, but many more cases are occurring in parts of Africa and Asia.”
Most human plague infections come directly from infected fleas, Colorado health officials noted.
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