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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsSquirrel tests positive for bubonic plague in Colorado
A squirrel found in a Colorado town tested positive for bubonic plague, county health officials said.
Jefferson County health officials said in a statement Sunday that a squirrel found in the town of Morrison, which is just west of Denver, tested positive for the bubonic plague on Saturday.
Health officials warned that the bubonic plague can be contracted by humans and household animals if proper precautions are not taken.
The county is recommending the public eliminate all sources of food, shelter and access for wild animals around their homes. The public is also urged not feed wild animals, maintain litter- and trash-free yards to reduce wild animal habitats and avoid contact with sick or dead wild animals and rodents.
Humans may be infected with the plague through bites from infected fleas or by direct contact with blood or tissue of infected animals. Cats are highly susceptible to plague and may die if not promptly treated with antibiotics. While dogs are not as susceptible, they can pick up and carry plague-infected rodent fleas, according to health officials.
https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/507200-colorado-officials-announce-squirrel-tested-positive-for-bubonic-plague
greenjar_01
(6,477 posts)BusyBeingBest
(8,059 posts)are a little easier to avoid than squirrels.
leftyladyfrommo
(18,874 posts)to time is all that unusual.
2naSalit
(86,920 posts)I hear about one or two cases in my region every couple years or so.
Fullduplexxx
(7,878 posts)essme
(1,207 posts)nt
milestogo
(16,829 posts)Initech
(100,139 posts)Wounded Bear
(58,773 posts)plague infested rodents show up all the time in numerous areas around the country.
Bubonic Plague is fairly treatable if caught early.
Certainly not hair on fire news.