Pueblo Public Health said they are still investigating how the person became infected.
PUEBLO COUNTY, Colo. — A southern Colorado resident has tested positive for the plague.
Health officials are still investigating how the person contracted the infection but have not released information about the individual’s condition.
The plague bacterium, Yersinia pestis, is naturally occurring and transmitted by fleas, and can be spread by the bite of an infected flea, by touching or sniffing an infected animal, or by inhaling droplets coughed by an infected person or animal, according to health officials.
Symptoms of plague include:
- Lymph nodes are swollen and painful
- Sudden fever and chills
- nausea
- vomiting
- Severe headaches and muscle pain
- Feeling sick
“If you experience symptoms of plague, seek medical attention immediately,” said Alicia Solis, program manager for PDPHE’s Office of Infectious Disease and Emergency Preparedness. “Plague can be successfully treated with antibiotics, but infected people must receive treatment promptly to avoid serious complications and death.”
Health officials said people should take the following precautions to prevent plague infection:
- Eliminate places around your home, garage, shed or recreational areas where rodents may hide or breed: Remove brush, rock piles, trash and wood piles.
- Avoid contact with dead animals. If you must handle a sick or dead animal, follow these guidelines: First, apply insect repellent to protect it from fleas. Next, use a long-handled shovel to put it in a garbage bag. Finally, place the bag in an outdoor trash can.
- To prevent flea bites, use an insect repellent that contains 20% to 30% DEET. Apply it to pants, socks, the tops of shoes, arms, and legs.
- Do not let pets sleep in the bed.
- Treat your dogs and cats for fleas regularly. Flea collars have not been proven to be effective.
- Do not allow your pet to hunt or roam in rodent habitats, such as prairie dog colonies.
- Store pet food in rodent-proof containers.
