Plague suspected in squirrels found dead in Colorado Springs

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- Numerous squirrels have been found dead in the Patty Jewett and Divine Redeemer neighborhoods of Colorado Springs, and El Paso County Public Health says plague is suspected to be the cause.

According to EPC Public Health, it's not uncommon for plague to be present around this time of year, but it's important for neighbors to be aware and limit risk of transmission to humans.

Plague can be spread to people by the bite of an infected flea or by an infected animal. Symptoms include sudden fever, headache, chills, weakness, and painful lymph nodes. There's no vaccine for the plague, but if caught early, it can be successfully treated with antibiotics, according to EPC Public Health.

People are encouraged to take the following precautions:

• Do not directly handle any wildlife  
• Keep pets away from wildlife, especially dead rodents and rabbits  
• Don’t let dogs or cats hunt prairie dogs, other rodents, or rabbits  
• Don’t allow pets to roam freely  
• Treat all pets for fleas according to a veterinarian’s advice  
• Do not feed wildlife—this attracts them to your property, brings them in close contact, and increases the risk of disease transmission  
• Be aware of rodent and rabbit populations in your area and report sudden die-offs or multiple dead animals to El Paso County Public Health at (719) 578-3220.