Colorado Disease Plague Claims Another Life After Exposure to Rodents, Fleas or Dead Animals

This was the second plague death in Colorado in 2015. The Pueblo County agency said in a press release that “the individual may have contracted the disease from fleas on a dead rodent or animal.”

Read the official press release:

August 5, 2015, Pueblo, CO The Pueblo City-County Health Department confirmed an adult died from plague. This is the first Pueblo County resident to contract plague since 2004.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the family,” stated Sylvia Proud, public health director of the Pueblo City-County Health Department. While the investigation is still ongoing, the individual may have contracted the disease from fleas on a dead rodent or other animal. The Pueblo City – County Health Department is coordinating the investigation, working with experts from Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. “This highlights the importance to protect yourself and your pets from the exposure of fleas that carry plague,” Ms. Proud added.

Plague can spread through rodent populations in a localized area–often resulting in mass animal “die-offs.” The only animals with confirmed plague so far this year in Pueblo County were in an area of Turkey Creek near the western edge of Pueblo County. “Although Turkey Creek is confirmed for plague after testing a dead prairie dog, it could occur elsewhere in Pueblo County as well.

Residents are encouraged to call and report any unusual die-off of rabbits or prairie dogs to the Pueblo City-County Health Department at 583-4307 and stay away from the die-off area,” explained Ms. Proud.