Additional fleas test positive for plague in Pueblo County
The Pueblo City-County Health Department says additional fleas have tested positive for plague in Pueblo County; the fleas were captured during an investigation of a prairie dog die off near the Beulah Highway (Hwy 78) and Water Barrel Road. This adds to Turkey Creek and Hatchet Ranch areas of Pueblo County where fleas have also tested positive for plague.
“Fleas were collected from an area with a recent prairie dog die off near Hwy 78 and Water Barrel Road tested positive for plague,” said Sylvia Proud, public health director at the Pueblo City-County Health Department.
“This new positive plague identification is confirmed in rural western Pueblo County,” Proud said. “It is important to protect yourself by staying out of rural areas where rodents may be. If you are in an area where wildlife such as prairie dogs live, wear insect repellant containing DEET and treat your pets for fleas.” Plague has not been confirmed in Pueblo West Metropolitan District or the City of Pueblo.
Plague, caused by bacteria calledYersinia pestis, is transmitted from rodent to rodent by infected fleas. Infected fleas pass plague to animals or people through bites. Plague is characterized by periodic disease outbreaks in rodent populations, some of which have a high death rate. During these outbreaks, hungry infected fleas that have lost their normal hosts seek other sources of blood, thus increasing the risk to humans and other animals frequenting the area.
People infected with plague usually show symptoms 2 to 6 days after coming in contact with plague. Symptoms include fever, chills, weakness, and swollen and painful lymph nodes. A few people get pneumonia (infection of the lungs) as a first symptom of plague. The infection then spreads to other parts of the body. Plague can be treated with antibiotics when caught in time. If this disease is not treated immediately, many people who get sick will not survive. A Pueblo County man died of the plague last month.
Cats can be infected from flea bites or by direct contact with infected rodents. Plague infected cats will generally have a history of roaming freely in rural or semi-rural areas and their owners often report that they are known predators.
Infected cats frequently exhibit swelling and sores around the mouth, head, and neck, and appear to be ill. Seek veterinary care for such animals. Since domestic cats and dogs can carry infected fleas into the home environment, it is also important to consult your veterinarian for information about flea control for your pets. While dogs rarely appear sick from plague, it is still important they are treated for fleas as they can still carry them into the home.
TIPS TO PREVENT PLAGUE
Avoid contact with all sick and dead rodents and rabbits. Look for the presence of blow flies or dead animal smell as evidence of animal die-offs. Prairie dog colonies that suddenly are not active may also be due to plague activity in the area. Report such die-offs to the Pueblo City-County Health Department at 583-4307.
While hiking, treat pants, socks, shoe tops, arms and legs with insect repellents.
If you hunt or trap rabbits or carnivorous wild animals, wear gloves and a respiratory mask while skinning or handling these animals. Fresh pelts may be treated with flea powder.
Keep your pets from roaming and hunting and talk to your veterinarian about using an appropriate flea control product.
Do not let pets sleep in the bed with you. This has been shown to increase your risk of getting plague.
Sick pets should be examined promptly by a veterinarian.
DO NOT feed or entice any rodent or rabbit species into your yard, back porch, or patio.Do not catch, play with, or attempt to hand feed wild rodents.
Eliminate rodent habitat, such as piles of lumber, broken cement, trash and weeds around your home, outbuildings and cabins.
