Colorado the Peblo department of public health and environment , U.S have reported a case of human plague named “Black Death”. This infection is rare but deadly spread through flea. This severe infection is caused by flea bite, interaction with infected animals or people. This case has raised concerned among the population.
How the human plague spreads.
The plague caused by the bacterium yersinia pestis, manifested from fleas in several forms, including septicemic, pneumonic and bubonic. This is the third confirmed case in year 2024.
Early detection and treatment with antibiotics are important measures to control the impact of this ancient disease. This disease is zoonotic. Almost 80% of the disease in U.S plague cases have been bubonic form. A plague is an infectious disease found in animals throughout the world, most commonly rodents like rats. Other animals include ground squirrels, Prairie dogs, chipmunks and rabbits. Fleas acts like a medium to widespread the disease
Sign and Symptoms of the infection
The symptoms and signs usually appears in 5 to 8 days of exposure to an infected animal or flea.
Symptom starts with
- High fever
- Feeling of nausea
- vomiting
- Chills
- Muscle Ache
- Weakness
- Visible swelling in lymph node
People can get infected by direct interaction with an infected animal or through inhalation. The infection is treatable if the dose of antibiotic starts at early stage. The 3 types of plagues are bubonic, septicemic and Pneumonic. All three of them are fatal. Officials advised the individuals and their pets to protect themselves from the plague.
Steps you can take to save yourself.
- Eliminate the places in your home that rodents can hide and breed.
- Avoid piling-up garbage that invites fleas.
- Avoid contact with dead animals.
- Use insect repellent.
- We know you love your pets, But do not allow them to sleep in bed with you. It can reduce the chance of transmission of Rabies and plague as well
