Case of Bubonic Plague Reported in Colorado
The plague is not just in the history books; it is currently in our state.
A case of bubonic plague has been confirmed in Colorado resident. The Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment says the case was flagged Friday from preliminary test results. The potential source of the infection is still under investigation.
The plague is an infectious disease caused by bacterium transmitted by fleas.
This disease is known for an outbreak that killed millions of Europeans during the middle ages. It is also known as “The Black Death.”
The CDC said that the bacteria circulate naturally among wild rodents and rarely infects humans. The plague can be treated with antibiotics.
A few symptoms of the plague include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Chills
- Weakness
- One or more swollen, painful lymph node (called buboes)
“The bacteria multiply in a lymph node near where the bacteria entered the human body. If the patient is not treated with the appropriate antibiotics, the bacteria can spread to other parts of the body,” the CDC said.
The bubonic plague is primarily transmitted to humans through the bites of infected fleas that live on wild rodents. The bacterium Yersinia pestis is responsible for the infection. While the plague is historically infamous for causing the “Black Death” in medieval Europe, it continues to exist in nature, circulating among rodent populations. Human cases are rare but can occur when individuals come into contact with these infected fleas or animals
Symptoms of the bubonic plague include fever, headache, chills, weakness, and one or more swollen and painful lymph nodes, known as buboes. These symptoms occur because the bacteria multiply in a lymph node near the entry point into the body. If not treated promptly with appropriate antibiotics, the bacteria can spread to other parts of the body, leading to more severe complications. Early detection and antibiotic treatment are crucial for effective management of the disease.
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