A case of bubonic plague, the disease responsible for the infamous Black Death, has been confirmed in Colorado, marking a rare occurrence of this ancient scourge in modern times. Health officials are urging vigilance and immediate medical attention for anyone exhibiting symptoms of the disease, which decimated populations in the 14th century.
Public health advisory: Symptoms and precautions
“We advise all individuals to protect themselves and their pets from plague,” said Alicia Solis, from Pueblo County’s Office of Communicable Disease and Emergency Preparedness. The county’s health department initiated an investigation after preliminary tests indicated the presence of Yersinia pestis, the bacterium causing the plague. The case was confirmed on Monday.
People are encouraged to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as fever, headache, chills, weakness, and inflamed lymph nodes, known as buboes. Left untreated, the disease can spread to the lungs, causing severe respiratory symptoms.
How the bubonic plague spreads
Transmission methods
Bubonic plague is primarily caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, typically found in rodents, small mammals, and their fleas. Human-to-human transmission is rare but can occur through flea bites, contact with infected bodily fluids, or inhalation of respiratory droplets from an infected person or animal. The disease is most contagious when it develops into pneumonic plague, the most severe form.
Historical context
The Black Death pandemic, which killed millions in medieval Europe, is believed to have been spread by fleas and rats. However, recent studies suggest that human body lice may also have played a significant role.
New research on plague transmission
A recent study published in PLoS Biology highlights the potential for human body lice to transmit Yersinia pestis more efficiently than previously thought. Dr. David Bland, from the United States National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and his team discovered that body lice can become infected with Y. pestis and transmit it after feeding on blood containing the pathogen.
“Y. pestis has been the culprit behind numerous pandemics, including the Black Death,” said Dr. Bland. “Our findings suggest that body lice may be more efficient spreaders of Y. pestis than previously thought, and they could have played a role in past plague outbreaks.”
The research indicates that body lice, along with fleas and rats, may have been significant drivers of historical plague pandemics. These findings underscore the importance of understanding all potential transmission vectors to prevent future outbreaks.
Plague in the modern world
Global and U.S. statistics
Plague has been reported on every continent except Oceania, with 3,248 cases and 584 deaths worldwide between 2010 and 2015. The disease remains most common in Africa, with Madagascar, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Peru being the most affected countries. In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report an average of seven cases annually, primarily in rural areas of the West.
Recent U.S. cases
This year, Oregon confirmed its first bubonic plague case in nearly a decade, and a man in New Mexico’s Lincoln County died from the disease. Northern Arizona, southern Colorado, California, and far western Nevada are also known hotspots.
Unlike the 14th century, when the plague was a near-total death sentence, modern medicine offers effective treatment with antibiotics. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for survival, making public awareness and access to healthcare essential.
Health officials emphasize that while the plague is rare, it remains a serious disease. Prompt medical attention, public education, and preventive measures can help manage and mitigate its impact.