Squirrel tests positive for bubonic plague in Colorado, leading to health warning

Officials confirm first case of the disease seen in Jefferson County

Authorities in Colorado have issued an alert after a squirrel tested positive for the bubonic plague.

A public health statement said the animal was located in Morrison on Saturday, about 17 miles southwest of Denver, and tested positive.

The squirrel was described as the county’s first documented bubonic plague case, which can pass between animals and humans without precautions.

Authorities in Jefferson County said on Sunday the threat was low to those who took precautions, which include avoiding contact with wild animals.

“Plague is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Yersinia pestis, and can be contracted by humans and household animals,” the Jefferson County public health department said in a statement.

“However, if proper precautions are taken, the risk of getting plague is “extremely low,” added officials.

According to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, fleas contract the disease from rodents such as squirrels, who can then infect humans and other animals.

Jefferson County authorities warned pet owners to monitor cats and dogs who live near wild animal populations, which places them at greater risk of contracting the illness.

“Cats are highly susceptible to plague and may die if not treated promptly with antibiotics,” warned officials. “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”.

Anyone in the area with symptoms such as high fever, chills, headache, swelling and nausea has been urged to seek medical help.

Jefferson County Public Health added antibiotic treatment can be used against plague infections at an early stage.

The Colorado warning comes as the World Health Organisation (WHO) monitored an outbreak of the bubonic plague in Inner Mongolia, which has claimed at least two lives.

A WHO spokesperson said last week that the epidemic was not high-risk, and that it was working with Chinese and Mogolian officials.