Colorado health officials have confirmed that a resident has contracted the bacterial infection that causes plague, the deadly medieval disease that can cause patients to cough up blood.
It is not known how the individual became infected, however the bacteria can be transmitted through contact with wild rodents and the bites of infected fleas.
Plague symptoms may resemble those of the flu, including sudden fever, chills, severe headaches and muscle aches, nausea and vomiting.
It can also cause swollen lymph nodes called buboes, which can become swollen, tender, and tissues such as the hands and feet can turn black, hence the name “black death.”
If left untreated, it can spread to the lungs and other organs, as well as the blood, with potentially fatal consequences.
Plague is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, which is transmitted by fleas and spread between animals. The image above is a 3D illustration of the bacterium.
Plague is usually spread from infected wild rodents and infected fleas, which can colonize the skin of pets.
A person with plague (which can be spread between people through coughing or sneezing) can be treated with antibiotics.
Infections usually begin in wild rodents and infected fleas, which can colonize the skin of pets.
People become infected when they come into contact with infected animals or respiratory droplets from a sick person.
Although the source of infection in Colorado is unknown, scientists have previously found samples of the bacteria living in squirrels in the state.
This is far from the first case of plague to appear in the United States since the 15th century outbreak that wiped out large swaths of the European population.
The United States confirms about seven cases of plague each year.
Most recently, in February, an Oregon resident contracted the deadly disease from her cat; however, she was treated in the early stages of the disease and no additional cases were found in the area.
And in 2021, a 10-year-old girl died from the disease in Colorado, the first death there since 2015. The state reported 22 cases of plague between 2005 and 2020.
In 2015, four people died from the plague nationwide, including two in Colorado: an adult in Pueblo County and a teenager in Larimer County, according to Colorado Public Radio.
Plague is most commonly seen in the summer months because bacteria can reproduce rapidly in warm temperatures and higher humidity.
People also tend to spend more time outdoors in the summer, which increases the chances of infected animals transmitting the bacteria to humans.
Pueblo County health officials say it’s crucial to eliminate potential rodent habitats around residential areas and recreational sites by clearing brush, rock piles, trash and wood piles.
Illustration from 1656: A plague doctor in protective clothing. The beak-shaped mask contained spices believed to purify the air, and the wand was used to prevent touching patients.
This reduces places where rodents can hide and breed, minimizing the risk of exposure to fleas carrying plague bacteria.
They also recommend that people avoid direct contact with dead animals; if they must handle them, they should use insect repellent with DEET to protect against flea bites.
Using a long-handled shovel, place the animal in a secure garbage bag and dispose of it quickly in an outdoor trash can.
To further prevent flea bites, it is recommended to apply DEET-based insect repellent to exposed skin and clothing, especially pants, socks, shoe tops, arms and legs.
Pets should not be allowed to sleep in beds to minimize potential exposure to fleas. Regular flea treatment for pets is essential, while flea collars are ineffective.
It is also critical to keep pets away from rodent-prone areas, such as prairie dog colonies, and to store their food in secure, rodent-proof containers to prevent contamination and subsequent exposure to pest bacteria.
These measures are essential to reduce the risk of plague transmission and ensure the safety of the community.