July 15, 2020

Andrew Campbell 

A squirrel tested positive for bubonic plague in the town of Morrison in Colorado of the United States on July 11. It was the first case of plague in the United States this year, according to a statement from the Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) department.

This disease, caused by the bacteria of Yersinia pestis, can transmit to human beings and animals; therefore, people should prevent it properly. People will receive this disease by flea bites or by touching the blood from an infected animal. JCPH raised a warning sign for the early prevention. The early treatment with modern antibiotics can prevent complication and death. However, it is still a huge threat for humans and animals. 

According to the JCPH’s statement, cats are easier to get the plague from a flea bites or a rodent bite. Dogs have less chances to receive the plague but they have higher chances to carry the infected flea with plague. JCPH’s statements suggested pets’ owners should consult a veterinarian if they live near urban area or they consider their pets are ill. 

During the Black Death pandemic of the Middle Ages, around 50 million people in Europe died of this disease. This disease has existed in this century and caused a fatal death in the human history.

Chinese government confirmed a case of bubonic plague in inner Mongolia on July 7. The officials released a notification to stop killing wild animals and to request residents for medical treatments if they have fevers or other possible signs of infection.

Photo:Webshot.