The Lifesciences Magazine

  Following a case of bubonic plague infection in Montezuma County earlier this month, state and local health officials are looking into and keeping an eye on activities throughout southwest Colorado. According to officials, the exposure to the disease most likely happened on private premises. A bacteria called Yersinia pestis, which causes the bubonic plague, can be spread to people by direct contact with infected animals or by being bitten by infected fleas. Squirrels, woodrats, and prairie dogs are among the animals that are susceptible to the plague. Low Risk to the Public Despite the low risk to the public, representatives from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the Montezuma County Public Health Department advised Coloradans to take precautions, especially since the risk of contracting diseases from animals rises in the summer when people and animals are more likely to come into contact. The symptoms of the bubonic plague are similar to those of the ...