A recent case of bubonic plague has been confirmed in Pueblo County, Colorado, approximately 100 miles south of Denver[1][4]. This incident has raised concerns and prompted health officials to provide important information about the disease. Here’s what you need to know:
The Case and Its Origin
The infection was initially identified through early test results last week, and local health authorities confirmed the case on Monday[1]. The infected individual was hospitalized but has shown signs of improvement[1]. Due to the endemic nature of plague in the area, pinpointing the exact source of the infection is challenging[1].
Understanding Bubonic Plague
Bubonic plague is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis[1][3]. It’s primarily spread through:
- Bites from infected fleas
- Contact with infected animals (especially rodents)
- Inhaling bacteria droplets from infected individuals or animals[1]
Symptoms and Diagnosis
The symptoms of bubonic plague typically appear 1-7 days after exposure and include:
- Sudden high fever and chills
- Severe headache and muscle aches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Swollen, painful lymph nodes (buboes) in the armpits, groin, or neck[1][2]
The presence of buboes is a hallmark symptom and gives the disease its name[1].
Treatment and Prognosis
Bubonic plague can be effectively treated with antibiotics if diagnosed early[3]. Without treatment, the mortality rate is estimated at 30% to 60%[1]. However, with prompt medical attention, most people with bubonic plague survive[3].
Prevention Measures
To reduce the risk of infection:
- Avoid contact with wild rodents
- Clear areas near homes where rodents might hide
- Treat pets regularly for fleas
- Use insect repellent containing DEET when in potentially affected areas
- Avoid handling sick or dead animals[1]
Plague in the United States
While plague is rare in the U.S., it does occur:
- Most cases are reported in the Southwest and West
- On average, about seven human plague cases are recorded annually in the U.S.[1]
- From 1970 to 2022, Colorado documented 67 cases of plague[4]
Global Context
Plague is endemic in several countries, with the highest incidences reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar, and Peru[4]. While historically devastating, modern antibiotics and improved hygiene have significantly reduced its impact.
It’s important to note that while this case may cause concern, bubonic plague is not transmissible between individuals[1]. However, other forms of plague, such as pneumonic plague, can be transmitted person-to-person and are more severe[1][2]. If you experience symptoms or have been in contact with potentially infected animals, seek medical attention promptly.
Citations:
[1] https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2024/07/09/bubonic-plague-pueblo-county-colorado-symptoms/74336488007/
[2] https://www.cdc.gov/plague/signs-symptoms/index.html
[3] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/plague/symptoms-causes/syc-20351291
[4] https://edition.cnn.com/2024/07/09/health/human-plague-case-colorado/index.html
[5] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17782-plague
[6] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21590-bubonic-plague
[7] https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/4763660-human-plague-case-colorado/
[8] https://emergency.cdc.gov/agent/plague/factsheet.asp
[9] https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/plague
[10] https://abcnews.go.com/US/colorado-public-health-officials-confirm-human-plague-case/story?id=111792245
[11] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bubonic_plague
[12] https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2024/07/09/human-plague-treatment-symptoms-bubonic/
[13] https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/plague-faq
[14] https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/infected-fleas-bring-a-human-case-of-the-plague-to-colorado/
[15] https://www.cdc.gov/plague/about/index.html
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