Human case of plague identified in Pueblo County

Human plague case in Colorado: Public health officials are investigating a case of human plague in Pueblo County.

The Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment are investigating a human case of plague based on preliminary test results.

Health officials said the plague bacteria can be spread by fleas and wild rodents. Plague occurs naturally and can affect humans and their pets. Common ways to get plague include the bite of an infected flea, contact with infected animals (prairie dogs, squirrels, mice and rabbits) and inhaling droplets from the cough of an infected person or animal. Human Plague Cases in Colorado

Common symptoms of plague include sudden fever and chills, severe headache, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting and feeling unwell. Health officials said plague can be successfully treated with antibiotics, but an infected person must be treated promptly to avoid serious complications or death. Human plague cases in Colorado

Common forms of plague include bubonic plague, septicemic plague and pneumonic plague, although as of 4 p.m. Wednesday, health officials had not said which case was in Pueblo County.

Health officials have listed some ways people can protect themselves and their pets from the plague:

• Eliminate places where rodents can hide and breed around your home, garage, shed or recreation area. Remove brush, rock piles, trash and wood piles.
• Avoid handling dead animals. If you must handle sick or dead animals, follow these guidelines. First, apply insect repellent to protect against fleas. Then, use a long-handled shovel to place everything in a trash bag. Finally, place the bag in an outdoor trash can.
• Use an insect repellent containing 20 to 30 percent DEET to prevent flea bites. Treat pants, socks, shoe tops, arms, and legs.
• Do not let pets sleep in bed with you.
• Treat dogs and cats regularly for fleas. Flea collars have not been proven effective.
• Do not allow pets to hunt or roam in rodent-infested areas, such as prairie dog colonies.
• Store pet food in rodent-proof containers.