Health Officials in US Confirm First Human Case of Plague in Colorado

Colorado health officials have confirmed a case of human plague in Pueblo County, marking a significant health alert for the region. The infection, first reported on Friday, has sparked concerns as authorities work to trace the source and prevent further cases.

Summarized Insights:

• Human plague case confirmed in Colorado.

• Infection reported in Pueblo County.

• No plague vaccine currently available.

• Preventive measures advised for humans and pets.

On Tuesday, health officials in Colorado confirmed a case of human plague in the state, specifically in Pueblo County, which lies in the southern part of Colorado. 

This alarming development was initially reported on Friday based on preliminary test results, and efforts are underway to trace the source of the infection.

Alicia Solis, the program manager of the Office of Communicable Disease and Emergency Preparedness at the Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment, emphasized the importance of prompt treatment. 

"Plague can be treated successfully with antibiotics, but an infected person must be treated promptly to avoid serious complications or death," Solis stated in a news release announcing the case. 

She also advised individuals to protect themselves and their pets from plague.

This case is not an isolated incident in Colorado's history. 

Between 1970 and 2022, the state reported 67 cases of plague, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

On a national scale, an average of seven human plague cases are reported annually in the United States. 

Worldwide, the World Health Organization documented 3,248 human plague cases between 2010 and 2015.

The CDC notes that there is currently no commercially available plague vaccine in the United States. 

Although new vaccines are in development, they are not expected to be available soon. 

The plague, caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, is typically spread by fleas and was historically known as "The Black Death," which decimated Europe's population during the Middle Ages. 

Today, the plague circulates naturally among wild rodents and rarely infects humans.

Symptoms of plague include sudden fever and chills, severe headache, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and commonly swollen lymph nodes with pain. 

The CDC urges anyone exhibiting these symptoms to seek immediate medical attention.

To avoid infection, Colorado health officials recommend eliminating environments where wild rodents can thrive near human habitats, such as brush, rock piles, trash, and piles of lumber around homes, garages, sheds, and recreational areas. 

Precautions around pets are also crucial in reducing the risk of transmission. 

Treating dogs and cats for fleas, keeping pet food in rodent-proof containers, and preventing pets from roaming in rodent-infested areas or sleeping in bed with humans are all advised measures.

This confirmed case of human plague in Colorado serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and prompt response in the face of infectious diseases. 

As health officials continue to investigate and contain the source of the infection, the public is urged to take preventive measures to safeguard their health and the health of their pets.