Plague
🦠Plague
Plague is a serious bacterial infection caused by Yersinia pestis. It is naturally found among wild rodents (such as prairie dogs and ground squirrels) and the fleas that infest them. Though rare, human cases still occur in the western United States, including Colorado.
On average, the U.S. reports about 7 human plague cases each year, most often in rural parts of the western states.
How Plague Spreads
- Bites from infected fleas
- Direct contact with tissues or fluids from infected animals (such as rodents, rabbits, or pets that hunt wildlife)
- Person-to-person transmission can occur with pneumonic plague through respiratory droplets
Types and Symptoms
- Bubonic plague – the most common form; causes fever, chills, weakness, and painful, swollen lymph nodes (called buboes)
- Septicemic plague – spreads in the bloodstream; symptoms include abdominal pain, shock, bleeding, and blackened skin tissue
- Pneumonic plague – a lung infection; causes cough, chest pain, and pneumonia-like illness and can spread between people
Symptoms typically appear 2 to 6 days after exposure but can take up to a week.
Who Is at Risk?
- People living or working in rural areas where wild rodents are present
- Pet owners whose cats or dogs roam and hunt rodents
- Campers, hikers, or outdoor workers in areas with known rodent populations
Treatment
- Plague is treatable with antibiotics if given promptly
- Early treatment greatly improves outcomes
- Seek immediate medical care if you develop fever, chills, or swollen lymph nod