Colorado health officials have confirmed a resident has contracted the bacterial infection responsible for the Bubonic Plague, a deadly disease that can cause patients to cough up blood. The method of infection remains unknown, though the bacteria can be transmitted via contact with wild rodents, infected flea bites, or droplets from an infected person.
Plague: Symptoms and risks
The plague’s symptoms resemble the flu, with sudden fever, chills, severe head and muscle aches, nausea, and vomiting. It can also cause swollen lymph nodes, or buboes, which may become inflamed and tender, and tissues like hands and feet may turn black, giving rise to the term ‘black death.’ If left untreated, the infection can spread to the lungs, other organs, and the blood, potentially leading to fatal outcomes.
Historical and recent cases
In medieval times, the plague caused thousands of deaths, and it remains deadly today. Colorado has previously identified the bacteria in squirrels. In 2015, 22 cases were reported, including a young girl who succumbed to the illness. One woman contracted the plague from her cat but survived after early diagnosis.
Health officials continue to monitor the situation, emphasizing the importance of early detection and treatment to prevent severe complications.