Hypochondria
File this next story away in the “you learn something every day” file. This week in Denver city officials closed Denver City Park after confirming that the dead squirrels have been infected with bubonic plague. Boulder has closed two of its parks as well.
I knew that the bacterial infection known as the bubonic plague has been with us up into modern times but I have always associated it with the squalor of 3rd world countries and cities in the 1st world that have uncontrolled rodent populations. But…”you learn something every day.” Apparently plague breakouts among the cities squirrel population is not uncommon and every few years the bushy tailed bastards start dropping dead all around the city. There was a dead plague infected squirrel down by Cherry Creek which is just less than 15 minutes away by foot.
Before moving to Denver someone gave me the very unfortunate misinformation that we are too high in elevation for fleas to survive. However, as the plague demonstrates, we are a great breading ground for fleas. If you recall your medieval history you will remember that bubonic plague is transmitted mainly by flea bites. Fleas carry the nasty creepy crud and they enjoy hitching rides with rats, mice, rabbits, squirrels and rodents of every ilk. I have always hated rodents and this is one of the many reasons why…even cute little bunnies are still rodents. It creeps me out that people keep them for pets or think their feet are lucky. Even grosser are the hillbilly types who actually eat rabbit. These are the same types that probably enjoy the occasional squirrel or even a rat-kabob.
I will die of starvation before I ever barbeque me up a rat.
Naturally my mouse problem would return now that flea season 2007 is underway. Shlomo finally died quietly in a fetal position sometime during the winter. I scooped up his rigid little ass and tossed him in the garbage. But just the other night as I was doing a crossword puzzle I noticed another mouse had invaded the inner sanctum of my apartment. Shit…shit…shit!
This time it’s no mister nice guy. Last time I had the manager set humane traps. My intention was to take the little guy to a field away from homes and deposit him there. He just died before that could happen. However, I have noticed flea bites on my arms and legs. My nose is running and I am starting to ache. I am taking no chances.
Here is the list of symptoms to be aware of:
Sudden onset of high fever;
Muscle pain;
Malaise,
A general feeling of being ill;
Nausea and vomiting.
The symptoms occur anywhere from two to six days after being infected. Fortunately it’s successfully treatable in human beings if it is caught early on. So I am slapping some peanut butter (mice like it better than cheese) on some old-fashioned spring loaded traps and I am setting out to snap me some mouse neck.
All of this talk of the plague has me thinking about Nostradamus who reportedly was ahead of his time, medically speaking. Most people know the seer from all of the wild interpretations of his quatrains which were more veiled commentary about the political climate of his time than actual predictions about the future. But some people are gullible. What many people may not know was that he was a physician and supposedly had a very effective way of dealing with the plague.
Nostradamus was the first to observe that the filth and squalor of the cities of his time were perfect breeding grounds for the rats that carried the bacteria born disease in the fleas that nestled in their fur. He prescribed lots of fresh water and fresh open air. Erika Cheetham described Nostradamus’ treatment in the forward of one of her books which I read some 22 years ago. The treatment included rose hips and charcoal. Rose hips are well known for the so-called bio-flavinoid’s that are a basic component of Vitamin C.
Lots of water and vitamin c are in order for the next few months until the flea population start dying out. Until then I plan to take as big a chunk out of the rodent population as I can.