Do you remember last year when the entire world shut down, and the only thing people cared about or could speak of was Covid-19? Weird times (that are technically still going on), right? Well, they are about to get even weirder, as Colorado has seen a spike in not only Covid cases but in the PLAGUE as well. Here is everything you need to know to keep you and your family safe:
It's official: Not only do Coloradans have to fear the new Covid-19 Delta variant but, apparently, the plague as well.
As per a July 22nd (2021) article from the Denver Post, the actual plague has been reported in 6 Colorado counties (only one of which - La Plata - has been named), with a 10-year-old dying from exposure.
While the plague in Colorado may sound like a new and novel concept, it is actually found nearly every year, with 22 cases reported between 2015 and 2020.
Where is the plague coming from, and what is causing it? While it can be spread in several ways (including cough from infected animals or direct contact with someone else who carries the disease), Coloradans are most likely to catch it via bites from infected fleas, most of which are hosted by prairie dogs, squirrels, or other rodents.
First recorded in the Sassanian Empire (circa 500 AD), the plague is caused by the bacteria Yersinia pestis and is considered highly fatal if not treated with antibiotics at the first sign of exposure.
Symptoms of the plague commonly include swollen lymph nodes, fever, headache, and chills.
To protect yourself and those you love from the plague, it is recommended to avoid contact with wild animals, treat your pets with flea-control products, and keep rodents away from your home by clearing away any plants and debris.
