Loading ...Plague Has Returned To Idaho
Bubonic plague is found naturally in wildlife in the western states of New Mexico, Colorado, Utah and Arizona. It hasn’t infected humans in Idaho since 1992, but a child has been diagnosed with the disease in Idaho during the week of June 10.
The child was likely infected either in Idaho, or possibly while on a trip to Oregon recently.
Humans generally get the disease from the bite of an infected flea, often from a dead animal that was harboring the plague. Ground squirrels and other rodents carry the disease in nature, and people can usually avoid it by avoiding wildlife and by wearing insect repellant, long pants and socks when in the wild. People also need to treat their pets for fleas and keep pets away from wildlife.
Any person experiencing symptoms of sudden and severe fevers, chills, headaches and often a swelling of the lymph nodes beneath the armpits, should seek medical attention immediately.
Plague activity increases in spring and summer due to rodents becoming more active. People and pets should never handle sick or dead rodents.
(http://www.idahostatesman.com/, Tuesday, June 12, 2018.)