Colorado Plague Linked to 10-Year-Old's Death; Health Officials Urge Caution

A 10-year-old's death has been linked to the Colorado plague, prompting the local Department of Public Health and Environment to urge residents exposed to wildlife to be careful around the animals.

The CDPHE said that cases of mammals with fleas are increasing in the state, but this hasn't raised worrying concerns because positive tests for the Colorado plague are usually evident during the summer months.

Jennifer House, the state's public health veterinarian and epidemiologist, also said that it is "rare" for humans to contract the plague even as the risks increase in the warmer seasons. Nonetheless, the health officials said that residents should be cautious and be aware of the symptoms as unattended and untreated illnesses associated with this plague could have serious consequences. House said that locals who may have the symptoms should immediately receive medical care.

Reports cited that the 10-year-old who died from the complications had been raising hogs. The child's laboratory tests showed traces of the infection, but the officials are still conducting further tests to know the actual cause of death.

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Tests were also conducted in six Colorado counties, including La Plata, where the child was based after a resident said that a pack of prairie dogs has gone silent. The health officials said that the pack is susceptible to the plague and may have likely contracted the disease if they have suddenly gone missing. However, locals were also told they shouldn't kill any prairie dogs that may pass by their properties as this could raise the risks of transmission.

How the Plague Transfers to Humans

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said that the plague, a bacterial disease, transfers to humans through direct contacts, such as when infected fleas bite them. The infection may also transfer to pets and other domesticated animals. From 2015 to 2020, Colorado had 22 cases detected in humans, and most of these were from La Plata County.

CDC also said that diseases from animals are present all year, but the cases may spike in the summer since more humans are actively in close contact with wildlife. The experts said that locals can still avoid the plague if they observe safety protocols. If they have to walk their pets outside, they need to keep the animals on a leash so they wouldn't wander off other animal habitats.

Homeowners must also fend off rodents from encroaching into their homes by carefully disposing of food items in their garbage bins. The CDPHE has provided a full list of preventive methods for locals to follow.

How Plagues are Treated

Symptoms of this disease include weakness, fever, chills, headache, and swollen lymph nodes. If a person has the Colorado plague, the doctors may request more samples to determine the kind of bacteria. In some cases, an endoscopy may be needed to check for pneumonic plague in the lungs.

The good thing is that plague can be cured with antibiotics if the doctors have made the proper diagnosis. Some of these treatments include Gentamicin, Doxycycline, or Moxifloxacin, but the doctor has to prescribe the right dosage and the duration of the treatment.

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