2024-07-12 16:05:18
Plague is a bacterial infection best known for its spread in the 14th century. In the mid-19th century, the so-called Black Death (bubonic plague) became one of the deadliest pandemics in human history.
But as this latest case shows, the plague is far from being forgotten. A disease-causing bacterium Yersinia pestis naturally circulates in many regions of the world among rodents, other small animals and fleas.
This means that, in rare cases, the plague can also infect humans. An average of seven cases are reported in the U.S. each year, most of which are the bubonic form—that is, those characterized by swollen, pus-filled lymph nodes.
Although the Colorado case is still under investigation, people usually get plague from the bite of an infected flea or contact with an infected animal. For example, earlier this year in Oregon, USA, the first human case of plague in eight years was identified, likely caused by an infected domestic cat.
With that in mind, the Pueblo County Department of Public Health and Environment (PDPHE) has asked the public to take certain precautions, such as:
- avoid contact with dead animals,
- rat-proof your home by removing places where they can hide, breed and feed, such as wood piles and pet food containers,
- use insect repellent to prevent flea bites,
- treat pets against fleas,
- do not allow pets to sleep in the bed with you.
If people develop symptoms of the disease, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends immediate medical attention because of the seriousness of the disease. The main symptoms to look out for with bubonic plague are sudden onset of fever, chills, headache, weakness and swollen, painful lymph nodes.
These symptoms may indicate plague to healthcare professionals, and the diagnosis can be confirmed by laboratory tests that use samples taken from swollen lymph nodes or blood.
Although plague is a serious disease, fortunately, it is treatable.
“Plague can be successfully treated with antibiotics, but an infected person must be treated immediately to prevent serious complications or death,” Alicia Solis, Program Manager of PDPHE’s Division of Communicable Diseases and Emergency Preparedness, said in a statement.
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2024-07-12 16:05:18