Plague Case Confirmed in Pueblo County, Colorado
A human case of the plague has been confirmed in Pueblo County, Colorado, with health officials investigating the situation. The plague is caused by Yersinia pestis, a bacterium that was likely introduced in North America around 1900. Symptoms include severe headache, fever, chills, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and swollen lymph nodes. The disease can spread from rodents, fleas, or infected animals to humans.
Key Points
- Plague is caused by Yersinia pestis bacterium
- Symptoms include severe headache, fever, chills, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and swollen lymph nodes
- Disease can spread from rodents, fleas, or infected animals to humans
Pros
- Health officials are actively investigating the situation
- Plague can be treated successfully with antibiotics
Cons
- Plague has a fatality rate of 30% to 60% if left untreated