Colorado Death Linked to the Plague

One person in Colorado has died from the plague, health officials announced Monday.

The death occurred in Archuleta County, near the border of New Mexico. Details of the deceased were not released by health officials. 

The infectious disease is treatable and has symptoms of a sudden and high fever and swollen lymph nodes, San Juan Basin Public Health said in a news release. 

“On behalf of all of us at SJBPH, our hearts go out to the family while we work with CDPHE to conduct a thorough investigation to keep residents safe,” Interim Executive Director Tiffany Switzer said in the release. “While this disease is very rare, it is important to be aware of how you can be exposed and the symptoms it can cause.” 

The disease is caused by a bacteria called Yersinia pestis, which is transmitted to humans by fleas. It is frequently found in rock squirrels, prairie dogs, woodrats and other species of ground squirrels and chipmunks, the department said. 

Coined the "Black Death," the plague is estimated to have killed some 25 million people in Europe during the 14th century.

The health department investigates prairie dog population die-offs for the presence of plague. The department asks the public to inform the agency if an active prairie dog colony suddenly disappears. 

“Residents should not eradicate or kill prairie dogs on their property as this increases the risk of exposure to plague-infested fleas,” SJBPH said. 

Health officials encourage the public to keep pets up to date on vaccines that protect them from fleas and discourage handling wildlife. Officials also recommend treating pest infestations.