Colorado child dies of plague

LA PLATA COUNTY, Colorado – A 10-year-old Colorado resident has died of plague in La Plata County, San Juan Basin Public Health (SJBPH) said Friday.

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and SJBPH said they are investigating the case and will provide more information as it becomes available.

>> The video above is from 2019 when a UCHealth expert spoke about plague after a prairie dog outbreak in Commerce City

“We are so sad for the loss of this young Coloradan and our deepest condolences go out to the family,” said Dr Jennifer House of CDPHE. “Public health is conducting an epidemiological investigation and wants the Coloradans to know that although this disease is very rare, it does occur sometimes, and to see a doctor if you have symptoms.”

The statement said the plague is caused by bacteria that can be transmitted to humans through the bites of infected fleas or through direct contact with infected animals. SJBPH told residents to remember that the risk of catching certain animal diseases, although they are present year round, increases during the summer, when humans and animals are in frequent close contact.

“On behalf of all of us at SJBPH, our hearts go out to the family as we support the state’s comprehensive investigation to ensure the safety of residents,” said Liane Jollon, Executive Director of SJBPH.

Most cases of human plague are contracted directly from fleas; SJBPH stressed the importance of controlling the presence of wild animals and fleas around homes through the following measures:

• Wear repellent and appropriate clothing when you go out.
• Keep animals up to date with vaccinations, away from wildlife, and away from fleas (with vet-approved topical medications, flea collars, or other prevention methods).
• Avoid sleeping next to your pets.
• Do not feed or handle wild animals, especially those that appear sick.
• Do not handle dead animals or animal waste.
• Children should be aware of these precautions and know how to tell an adult if they have been in contact with a wild animal or if they have been bitten by fleas.

Plague is frequently detected in rock squirrels, prairie dogs, wood rats and other species of ground squirrels and chipmunks. SJBPH is investigating the mortality of prairie dog populations for the presence of plague. If an active prairie dog colony suddenly disappears, please report it to SJBPH.

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