Colorado health officials investigate possible death of 10-year-old girl from plague – CBS Denver

LA PLATA COUNTY, Colorado. (CBS4) – The San Juan Basic Public Health and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment are investigating how a resident of La Plata County may have contracted the plague. The cause of death has not yet been confirmed by the La Plata County coroner’s office, but health officials suspect the bacteria Yersinia pestis is associated with the death of a young girl.

If confirmed, it would be the first plague death in the state since 2015.

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the Herald Durango, referring to a letter emailed Thursday to members of the 4-H Weaselskin club, reported that the deceased was a 10-year-old girl.

“Health and medical professionals are trying to track down where she contracted the disease,” the letter said. “At the moment, it’s still unknown.”

The letter, signed by Mike and Rachael Latham, leaders of the 4-H Weaselskin club, described the girl as a fourth grader at Sunnyside Elementary School.

“She was raising pigs in 4-H this year and had just finished playing softball. She had a nicer smile and was so sweet! the letter said.

The girl’s family declined to comment on the Herald, but expressed in the letter 4-H a reminder to others to be aware of the danger of the plague.

The SJBPH was informed of the death on July 7. A CDPHE laboratory performs additional tests to confirm the diagnosis.

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Humans are exposed to plague through direct contact with infected animals. It is also transmitted by fleas from pets that have been in contact with infected animals, according to SJBPH press release. It is most often detected in rodents, especially prairie dogs.

The local health department has asked to be notified by residents facing the death of active prairie dog colonies. He also advised residents not to touch dead animals and to protect pets with up-to-date vaccinations and flea protection.

CDPHE says two human cases of plague were reported in Colorado last year and both patients survived. Both people were exposed to sick animals.

The plague has been around Colorado for at least 80 years.

The following steps can be taken to protect you and your pets from plague, according to the CDPHE:

– Do not directly handle wildlife.
– Keep animals away from rodents and dead rabbits.
– Dogs and cats must be prevented from chasing prairie dogs, other rodents or rabbits.
– Follow the advice of a veterinarian for the treatment of fleas if an animal has a case.
– Feeding wild animals, other than birds, is a big no-no. It attracts animals to your property, putting them in close contact where disease transmission is more likely.

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Health officials are urging the public to call their offices if they think an animal might be infected or if they witness the sudden deaths of many wild animals, which could be a sign that the plague is present and spreading. propagates.