Squirrel Tests Positive for Bubonic Plague
Yes there is something else to now worry about.
Over the course of the last few months we have all been introduced to things that most of us never saw coming with the coronavirus, wearing masks in public, social distancing and more and now a disease that most of us have only really heard about has been discovered in the United States.
According to News 10, a squirrel that was found in a town outside of Denver, Colorado was recently tested for the plague and tested positive.
Health officials have said that the plague can be spread to humans and other animals through a few different ways including direct contact with an infected person, a bite from an infected animal, and bites from infected fleas.
If someone does contract the plague it can be treated with antibiotics, only if its caught early on.
Some of the symptoms of the plague in humans are, a sudden high fever, chills, headache, nausea and extreme swelling and pain in the lymph nodes. Most of the mentioned symptoms start anywhere from two to seven days after the person is exposed.
Humans are not the only ones that need to worry about the plague as pets are also in danger of contracting it.
Public Health officials said that cats and dogs are also are susceptible to the plague, with cats having a higher risk of contracting it and it being possibly fatal for cats if not treated with antibiotics ASAP.
Dogs are at a lower risk of contracting but could pick up and carry infected fleas which could be brought into homes.
Here are some precautions from the Jefferson County Health Department in Colorado, that people can take to keep themselves and their pets safe:
Eliminate all sources of food, shelter and access for wild animals around the home.
Do not feed wild animals.
Maintain a litter and trash-free yard to reduce wild animal habitats.
People and pets should avoid contact with sick or dead wild animals and rodents.
Use precaution when handling sick pets. Have sick pets examined by a veterinarian.
Consult with your veterinarian about flea and tick control for your pets.
Keep pets from roaming freely outside the home where they may prey on wild animals and bring the disease home with them.