Squirrel Tests Positive for Bubonic Plague in Colorado

If there's one thing we've learned about 2020, it's that you should never count out a curve ball being thrown. One piece of bad news after another after another keeps hitting us, and that procession continued with the news that a squirrel in Colorado has tested positive for Bubonic Plague.

Jefferson County Public Health announced that the positive test occurred in a squirrel in Morrison, a town about 20-25 minutes southwest of Denver. The announcement warned that humans and pets could be infected with the disease without proper precautions.

"Humans may be infected with plague through bites from infected fleas, by the cough from an infected animal or by direct contact (e.g., through a bite) with blood or tissues of infected animals," the announcement said. "Cats are highly susceptible to plague and may die if not treated promptly with antibiotics. Cats can contract plague from flea bites, a rodent scratch/bite or ingestion of a rodent. Dogs are not as susceptible to plague; however, they may pick up and carry plague-infected rodent fleas. Pet owners who suspect their pets are ill should consult a veterinarian. All pet owners who live close to wild animal populations, such as prairie dog colonies or other known wildlife habitats, should consult their veterinarian about flea control for their pets to help prevent the transfer of fleas to humans."

It continued: "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."

This news comes after a person in China tested positive for the plague last week. Pray that we aren't in for the onset of another pandemic.