A human case of plague has been confirmed in Pueblo County, Colorado, according to health officials from both the local and state levels. The Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment reported the case on July 9th, stating that preliminary test results had flagged the infection on Friday. The source of the infection is still under investigation.
Plague is a bacterial disease caused by Yersinia pestis and can be transmitted to humans through bites from infected fleas or contact with infected animals. Symptoms include sudden fever, chills, severe headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, nausea and vomiting.
The plague is best known for its historical impact during the Middle Ages when it killed millions of Europeans in what became known as the Black Death. However, nowadays it is a rare cause of illness in rural areas of the southwestern United States, particularly New Mexico, Arizona and Colorado.
To prevent infection, health officials advise people to take precautions such as avoiding contact with dead animals and regularly treating pets for fleas. They also suggest eliminating places where rodents can breed around homes.
The Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment advises anyone who develops symptoms of plague to seek medical care immediately. Plague can be treated successfully with antibiotics, but prompt treatment is essential to prevent serious complications or death.
From 1970 to 2022, there were 67 reported cases of plague in Colorado. Worldwide, the World Health Organization found that there were 3,248 human plague cases reported from 2010 to 2015.
It is important to note that a plague vaccine is no longer available in the United States and new vaccines are not expected to be commercially available in the immediate future.
