As if we didn't have enough problems already

Jul 14, 2020 16:03

From the New York Post, by Fox News

Squirrel tests positive for plague in Colorado

A squirrel has tested positive for the bubonic plague in Colorado.

According to health officials, the squirrel is the first case of plague in the Town of Morrison, Jefferson County, which is about 17 miles southwest of Denver.

“Plague is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Yersinia pestis, and can be contracted by humans and household animals,” public health officials wrote. However, if proper precautions are taken, the risk of getting plague is “extremely low,” they said.

Humans can get infected through bites from infected fleas or animals.

“Cats are highly susceptible to plague and may die if not treated promptly with antibiotics. Cats can contract plague from flea bites, a rodent scratch/bite or ingestion of a rodent. Dogs are not as susceptible to plague; however, they may pick up and carry plague-infected rodent fleas,” officials wrote.

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