BTN News: In a concerning development, health authorities in Colorado have confirmed a case of bubonic plague in a human, marking the third such instance in the United States this year. The infected individual, a resident of Pueblo County in southern Colorado, contracted the disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, which has historically been responsible for some of the deadliest pandemics in human history. This case follows two other reported instances in 2024—one in Oregon in February and another in New Mexico in March—signaling an ongoing, albeit limited, presence of the plague in the country.
The Pueblo County Department of Public Health and Environment (Pdphe) disclosed that the patient had been hospitalized the previous week but is now showing signs of recovery. Trysten GarcÃa, a spokesperson for the Pdphe, stated that while the patient’s condition is improving, the exact source and mode of transmission remain unknown. Given the endemic nature of the plague in the southwestern United States, particularly in states like Colorado, Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, and Oregon, pinpointing the exact origin of the infection is challenging.
On average, the United States sees about seven cases of bubonic plague annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The last significant outbreak occurred in Los Angeles during the 1920s, which resulted in approximately 30 deaths. Despite its rarity in modern times, the plague is a persistent threat in certain regions, particularly in rural and semi-rural areas where rodents, a primary vector, are abundant.
The most common route of transmission to humans is through the bite of an infected flea, which typically jumps from a rodent host. However, the CDC has warned that other forms of transmission are possible, including contact with the skin of an infected animal—most commonly rats or dogs—or even through respiratory droplets if an infected animal, particularly one with plague pneumonia, coughs. Human-to-human transmission, though rare, can occur in this manner.
Given the risks associated with the plague, the Pdphe has issued several warnings and recommendations to the public, particularly to pet owners. They advised against allowing pets to hunt rodents and noted that traditional flea collars might not be effective against fleas carrying Yersinia pestis. To minimize risk, they recommended avoiding close contact, such as sleeping next to pets that could have been exposed to the bacteria.
Although the plague is treatable with modern antibiotics, swift medical intervention is crucial to prevent severe complications or death. Alicia SolÃs, a director at the Pdphe, emphasized the importance of early treatment, stating that those infected must receive antibiotics as quickly as possible to reduce the risk of serious outcomes. There is no vaccine available for the plague, and the disease can become life-threatening if left untreated, particularly if it progresses to pneumonic plague, which infects the lungs, or septicemic plague, which spreads to the bloodstream.
Symptoms of bubonic plague usually manifest after an incubation period of one to seven days and include sudden high fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. The hallmark of the disease is the appearance of buboes—swollen and painful lymph nodes—typically in the armpits, groin, or neck. These buboes can vary in size and are often accompanied by a general feeling of severe discomfort. If untreated within the first 24 hours of symptom onset, the risk of death increases significantly. Treatment generally includes antibiotics, intravenous fluids, oxygen, and respiratory support. Patients diagnosed with the plague must be isolated to prevent the spread of the infection, and close contacts are closely monitored.
To help prevent the spread of bubonic plague, health officials in Los Angeles and other at-risk areas have provided several guidelines. These include avoiding contact with rodents and fleas, reducing potential rodent habitats around homes, and using flea control products, especially for pets that spend time outdoors.
As authorities continue to monitor the situation, public awareness and preventive measures remain key in curbing the spread of this deadly but treatable disease. While the threat of a widespread outbreak is low, the presence of even a few cases highlights the importance of vigilance and timely medical intervention.
