10-Year-Old Dies As Plague From Animals And Fleas Threatens Colorado

Colorado is dealing with another health-related issue with cases of plague confirmed in animals and fleas. The issue covers six counties in Colorado and there has reportedly been already one casualty, a 10-year-old girl who died earlier this month.

The girl died as a result of the plague with a lab test confirming. She was from La Plata County, CBS 4 Denver reported.

But aside from here, the flea plague has also been detected in other counties. This includes San Miguel, El Paso, Boulder, Huerfano and Adams counties according to a spokesperson from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

Humans can get infected by the plague from fleas carrying the bacterium or if they are handling infected animals per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“In Colorado, we expect to have fleas test positive for plague during the summer months. Awareness and precautions can help prevent the disease in people. While it’s rare for people to contract plague, we want to make sure everyone knows the symptoms. The disease is treatable if caught early. Let a medical provider know if you think you have symptoms of plague or if you think you’ve been exposed,” Jennifer House, deputy state epidemiologist and public health veterinarian for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment stated in an official statement.

Hence, health experts are calling on locals to be on guard and immediately see a doctor if the symptoms tied to the plague appear. Among the symptoms to watch out for include sudden fever, headache, chills, weakness as well as painful lymph nodes.

As of this writing, there is no cure or vaccine ready for the disease. However, anti-biotics can help once symptoms start to show.

Also, the CDPHE is advising residents to take the necessary precautions to avoid getting affected by the plague. This includes avoiding directly handling wildlife and keeping pets away from wildlife, especially dead rodents and rabbits.

In a report from the Denver Post, two people were infected with the plague last year but survived.