Plague found in Jeffco prairie dog population

Plague found in Jeffco prairie dog population
Jeffco Public Heath
8/21/2009

Jefferson County Public Health received confirmationAug. 20 that flea specimens collected from a prairie dog die-off in the Littleton are have tested positive for bubonic plague.

The area of concern is a vacant lot at southwest corner of Ken Caryl Avenue and Simms Street in Littleton.The area is being posted today and citizens are reminded to take simple precautions to avoid exposure.

Plague is a highly infectious bacterial disease carried by various types of wild rodents and is transmitted primarily by flea bites."Squirrels, rodents, prairie dogs and other mammals, such as rabbits and cats are susceptible to plague because they get fleas," explains Dr. Jim Dale, DVM, MPH, Director of Environmental Health Services.

Although extremely rare, humans may be infected with plague through bites from infected fleas, by the cough from an infected animal, or by direct contact (i.e. through a bite) with blood or tissues of infected animals. Therefore, it is important for the public to follow precautions to further reduce any risk of exposure.

Prevention: The best way to prevent plague is to control the presence of rodents and fleas in and around the home. In addition, people should avoid contact with any species of wild rodents, especially sick or dead rodents. Dogs and cats should be confined so they cannot prey on infected rodents and then bring the disease home with them. Pet owners who live close to rodent populations should use flea control products recommended by their veterinarian. Controlling fleas on pets will prevent the transfer of fleas to humans. If these reasonable precautions are taken, the probability of contracting plague is extremely low.

Symptoms: Plague is easily treated in humans with antibiotics when recognized early. Two to six days after being infected with plague, people become ill with the following symptoms: sudden onset of high fever; muscle pain; malaise, or a general feeling of being ill; nausea and vomiting. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should consult a physician immediately.

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