One squirrel in Colorado is claimed to be the first case of bubonic plague as reported. The case has come from the Town of Morrison last weekend, as reported by the Jefferson County Public Health officials.
The officials have confirmed the discovery via a statement released to the public on Sunday. The spokesperson of JCPH was informed by the locals of Morrison on seeing approx 15 dead squirrels around the town. After when one of the squirrels tested positive for bubonic plague, they expect others are also infected.
In a statement made by public health officials, they have warned on getting contracted the infectious disease caused by the bacteria Yersinia pestis. They said –
“Plague is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Yersinia pestis, and can be contracted by humans and household animals if proper precautions are not taken.”
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, humans can easily contract the plague from an infected flea bite. Perhaps, people can also become infected from direct contact of an animal that has died from the disease.
Public health officials have announced that a squirrel in Colorado has tested positive for the bubonic plague. https://t.co/ksYZNRPZdu
— ABC News (@ABC) July 14, 2020
The risk of humans catching the disease is minimal, and even for those who contract the disease, it’s not nearly as fatal as it once was
County health officials assert that the risk for getting plague is extremely low as long as proper precautions are taken.
According to the CDC reports, a person infected with plague has mild symptoms like sudden onset of fever, headache, chills, and weakness, and one or more swollen, tender, and painful lymph nodes.
Pet owners are especially advised if they suspect their pets are ill, should immediately consult a veterinarian. Or if they stay near wild animal populations, they should ensure that their pet is in contact with them.
According to the statement, dogs may not be susceptible to plague but may also act as a carrier. Even felines can easily contract the infection. It can be a flea bite, or a rodent scratch and even if they ingest infected rodents.
Earlier this month officials in China has announced a suspected bubonic plague case in Inner Mongolia Region. It was known to be the first few bubonic plague cases in the city of Bayannur district, according to the Associated Press.
On account of the report, authorities imposed a red alert that forbids the hunting and eating of animals that could carry the plague. And also ordered residents to report anyone with fever or other possible signs of infection for treatment.
To learn more about animal-borne diseases in Jefferson County, including bubonic plague, visit the site.
