Squirrel tests positive for bubonic plague

4years ago

US news, US news.

Public wellbeing authorities have reported that a squirrel in Colorado has tested positive for the bubonic plague.

The town of Morrison, Colorado, in Jefferson County, which is just west of Denver, made the declaration saying that the squirrel is the first case of plague in the region this year.

"Plague is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Yersinia pestis, and can be contracted by humans and household animals if proper precautions are not taken," officials from Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) said in a statement released to the public.

It is possible for people to be contaminated with the bubonic plague through bites from infected insects and by direct contact with blood or tissues of infected creatures, for example, a cough or a bite.

Jefferson County Public Health said that cats are exceptionally defenseless to the plague from things like insect bites, a rat scratch or bite, and ingesting an infected rat. Cats can pass on if not rewarded rapidly with anti-biotics after contact with the plague.

Authorities additionally said that dogs are not as helpless to the plague as cats are yet at the same time may get and convey plague-infected rat insects. Any pet proprietor who presumes that their pet is sick should contact a veterinarian right away.

"Symptoms of plague may include sudden onset of high fever, chills, headache, nausea and extreme pain and swelling of lymph nodes, occurring within two to seven days after exposure. Plague can be effectively treated with antibiotics when diagnosed early. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should consult a physician," said JCPH.