A case of bubonic plague has been confirmed in Colorado, local health officials report. The disease is extremely rare in the United States, with only 5 to 15 cases annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Bubonic Plague
Earlier this year, in February, Oregon reported its first case of the plague. The infected individual, a resident of Deschutes County, is believed to have contracted the disease from their pet cat. Health officials ensured that all close contacts of the infected person and their pet were contacted and given medication to prevent the illness. “All close contacts of the resident and their pet have been contacted and provided medication to prevent illness,” said Dr. Richard Fawcett, the Deschutes County health officer.
History of Bubonic Plague
The bubonic plague, carried by rodents like squirrels and chipmunks and their fleas, has a notorious history. It is infamous for causing the Black Death, which devastated Europe in the 14th century. When an infected rodent dies, its fleas can spread the infection to other animals or humans through bites.
