Colorado public health officials have confirmed a new case of human plague in Pueblo County. This rare but potentially deadly bacterial infection, caused by Yersinia pestis, has historically been infamous for causing the Black Death in the 14th century. However, modern medicine can effectively treat the disease with antibiotics if administered promptly.

Key Details

• Location: Pueblo County, Colorado, about 100 miles south of Denver.
• Confirmation: The case was confirmed by the Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment.
• Symptoms: The infected individual exhibited symptoms typical of bubonic plague, including sudden fever, chills, severe headache, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and swollen lymph nodes (buboes)[2][3][4].
• Transmission: The plague is primarily transmitted through the bites of infected fleas that have fed on infected rodents, such as rats and prairie dogs. It can also spread through contact with infected animals or inhaling respiratory droplets from an infected person or animal[1][2][3].

Forms of Plague

1. Bubonic Plague: The most common form, characterized by swollen and painful lymph nodes. It is not typically transmissible between humans.
2. Septicemic Plague: Occurs when the bacteria enter the bloodstream, leading to severe symptoms like abdominal pain, shock, and bleeding into the skin.
3. Pneumonic Plague: The most severe form, affecting the lungs and capable of spreading between humans through respiratory droplets[1][5].

Prevention and Treatment

• Antibiotics: Early treatment with antibiotics is crucial for a full recovery.
• Preventive Measures:
• Avoid contact with wild rodents and their habitats.
• Ensure pets are treated for fleas and kept away from rodent-infested areas.
• Use insect repellent containing DEET when outdoors.
• Eliminate rodent habitats around homes and avoid handling dead animals[1][2][4][5].

Historical Context and Current Incidence

• Historical Impact: The plague caused millions of deaths during the Middle Ages but is now rare, with an average of seven cases reported annually in the U.S.
• Current Incidence: Most cases in the U.S. occur in rural areas of the Southwest, including New Mexico, Arizona, and Colorado. Globally, the highest incidence is reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Madagascar, and Peru[1][3][4].

Conclusion

While the confirmation of a human plague case in Colorado is concerning, it is important to note that the disease is treatable with prompt medical intervention. Public health officials continue to monitor and investigate the situation to prevent further spread and ensure public safety.

Citations:
[1] https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/colorado-health-officials-investigating-human-case-bubonic-plague-rcna161272
[2] https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2024/07/09/bubonic-plague-pueblo-county-colorado-symptoms/74336488007/
[3] https://abcnews.go.com/US/colorado-public-health-officials-confirm-human-plague-case/story?id=111792245
[4] https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/4763660-human-plague-case-colorado/
[5] https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/health/colorado-plague-case-confirmed-what-to-know/3588737/
[6] https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/colorado-human-plague-infection-b2577453.html
[7] https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2024/07/09/human-plague-treatment-symptoms-bubonic/?isMobile=1
[8] https://county.pueblo.org/public-health-department/public-health-officials-confirm-first-human-plague-case-pueblo-county
[9] https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2024-07-10/case-of-human-plague-confirmed-in-colorado
[10] https://edition.cnn.com/2024/07/09/health/human-plague-case-colorado/index.html
[11] https://cdphe.colorado.gov/press-release/plague-activity-identified-in-colorado
[12] https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2024/07/10/bubonic-plague-colorado-black-death/74352630007/

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