Squirrel Tests Positive for Bubonic Plague in United States
Now, there’s another disease to look out for – bubonic plague. Yes, the bubonic plague is still around, but it is extremely rare. While the bubonic plague was the reason for the Black Death pandemic in the 1300s, let’s not even consider the possibility of another pandemic just yet.
Healthline reports that there was a confirmed case of the bubonic plague in China on July 5th. Now, a squirrel in Colorado officially has the bubonic plague as well.
One thing that’s important to understand is that the bubonic plague has been around for quite awhile, so it’s not a new disease. While we’re still trying to find effective treatments for COVID-19, there already are effective treatments for the bubonic plague.
Now, more about that squirrel. Watch the video below for all the details.
According to Jefferson County Public Health, the county where the infected squirrel was found, humans and animals may be infected with the bubonic plague if they get bitten by an infected flea, through the cough of an infected animal or if they come into direct contact with blood or tissues from any infected animals.
Here are some important steps you can take to protect your family and your pets.
Talk to your vet about flea and tick control.
Deter wild animals from entering your yard by keeping it free of litter and trash.
Don’t put out food for wild animals.
Don’t let your pets roam around outside by themselves where they could come into contact with wildlife.
If your pet is sick, take it to the vet.
The bubonic plague is treatable with antibiotics if it is caught early. People and animals may start showing symptoms anywhere from 2 to 7 days after they are exposed to the plague. Watch for the following symptoms: swollen lymph nodes, nausea, headache, chills, high fever and extreme pain. If you, a family member or a pet develops these symptoms, see a doctor right away.
