Bubonic plague
What is it? The most common form of plague caused by the bacteria Yersinia pestis. It is an infection of the lymph nodes.
How does it spread? It spreads primarily through bites from infected fleas, which travel on small mammals and rodents. In some cases, the plague can be transmitted to humans from sick animals.
Is it treatable? People with plague need immediate antibiotic treatment in the first 24 hours that symptoms occur. Without treatment, about 50 percent of people with Bubonic Plague die. With treatment, about 13 percent of people infected with Bubonic Plague die.
What are the symptoms? Symptoms usually show up between two and six days after being infected. Chills, fever, fatigue or malaise, headache, muscle pain, seizures and painful lymph gland swelling in the groin, armpits or neck
How do I avoid it? Protect pets from fleas and ticks and keep pets on a leash and out of wild rodent habitats. If you enter a wild rodent habitat, wear insect repellent and tuck pants cuffs into socks to prevent flea bites. Do not touch or feed wild rodents. Do not touch dead or sick animals. Prevent rodents in and around your home by clearing plants from outside walls, storing food properly and setting traps. Treat rodent sites with flea powder.
Sources: Boulder County Public Health, New York Times Health Guide, World Health Organization
Boulder County Public Health is reminding people to take precautions against animal-borne diseases after a Longmont family’s pet cat tested positive for plague, according to a news release.
The cat’s owners noticed that the cat was lethargic and had swollen lymph nodes on Easter Sunday. The cat tested positive for bubonic plague on April 21. The cat was given antibiotics and has improved, while the family is taking post-exposure plague medications and has not shown any symptoms, according to the news release.
The cat is the first instance of confirmed plague in Boulder County this season. Plague occurs naturally in Colorado and is spread through fleas to wild rodents and small mammals such as squirrels, rats, prairie dogs and rabbits. Plague can spread to humans if they are bitten by an infected flea.
Carol McInnes, Boulder County Public Health environmental health specialist, said in the news release that people should limit their exposure to fleas to reduce the risk of plague spreading.
“Keeping cats indoors is the best way to protect them from getting plague,” McInnes said. “Pet owners should also discuss the best way to protect pets from fleas with their veterinarians.”
Rain and warmer weather typically mark the beginning of spring migration season for many rodents and small mammals throughout the Front Range. This migration season can increase the risk of other animal-borne diseases such as rabies, tularemia, hantavirus and West Nile virus, according to the news release.
People should keep their property tidy and clear any areas where rodents or rabbits can hide and breed as well as storing bird and pet food away from areas that rodents could access.
Stop pets from eating wild rodents and wear closed shoes in areas where animals have been sick or died. Do not mow over animal carcasses.
Make sure pets are vaccinated against rabies. People should see a health care professional if they or their pet becomes sick after spending time near wildlife.
Karen Antonacci: 303-684-5226, antonaccik@times-call.com or twitter.com/ktonacci
