Human Case Of Plague Confirmed In This Colorado County

Plague is a word that many of us in Colorado feel detached from. Plague feels like a disease commonly referred to in folklore and history textbooks. Many of us are not aware that there are still plague cases in our modern world.

In Colorado, there have been over 20 cases of plague in humans. Thankfully, most of the Coloradans survived, however, there have unfortunately been deaths because of the plague disease.

Although plague is not as deadly as it used to be, it could still be deadly. Plague, like other bacterial diseases, can be cured with antibiotics. Although rare, plague can be treated easily.

Plague Confirmed in Colorado

USA Today has verified that there has been a case of plague in Pueblo County. Specifically, the unidentified person is infected with bubonic plague.

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The person was hospitalized but is making strides in recovery.

Bubonic plague is typically transmitted through a rodent or flea bite. Symptoms include swollen lymph nodes and flu-like symptoms.

Here is how the World Health Organization describes Bubonic plague.

 At advanced stages of the infection the inflamed lymph nodes can turn into open sores filled with pus. Human to human transmission of bubonic plague is rare. Bubonic plague can advance and spread to the lungs, which is the more severe type of plague called pneumonic plague.

Best Advice For Coloradans

The Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment is working to identify the source of the plague in Colorado. They are also informing us on practices of how to stay safe.

The most important advice given was to eliminate areas where rodents can hide, use insect repellent when outdoors, and treat your animals for fleas throughout the summer.

You can view the full list of safety tips here.