Viruses such as the Zika virus (contracted by mosquitoes) and the Powassan (POW) virus (contracted by ticks) have continued to make headlines this year with new developments. However, there’s another threat that is making recent headlines this summer. A threat from the past…the bubonic plague!
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Bubonic Plague | Being In The Know May Help You
As of mid-August 2017, it has been confirmed that the bacteria (yersinia pestis) that causes the bubonic plague has been found in fleas in two Arizona counties that are 120 miles apart from each other – Navajo and Coconino counties. How did this spread to Arizona?
Back in June 2017, three people needed hospital treatment after contracting the plague 400 miles east in Santa Fe County, New Mexico. There were four confirmed cases in New Mexico back in 2016, none of which were fatal.
So, it is easily assumed that this is one possible way that the infected fleas ended up in Arizona, which is a border state with New Mexico.
Bubonic plague! How is this possible?
Many are not aware (including myself, until a few days ago) that the bubonic plague has never been completely eradicated since the pandemic that spread across Europe and Asia in the 14th century which claimed 200 million lives. Due to this fact, there are thousands of confirmed cases each year around the globe.
The Cycle – How The Plague Has Recently Spread
Back in the 14th century, black rats were the primary carriers of the bubonic plague. Today, other ground rodents such as ground squirrels and prairie dogs have become infected with the bubonic plague. The connection? All rodents can carry fleas.
Furthermore, these are not the only animals that can be infected.
A single bite from a flea carrying the plague-causing bacteria Yersinia pestis can transmit the plague to other small wild animals such as rabbits, for example.
Also, any predatory wild animals that commonly feed on these (infected) smaller wild animals, can, in turn, become infected as well.
These fleas can also infect our beloved dogs and cats.
Our canine and feline companions, if infected, can then infect us!
If infected, the fleas of our pets can infect us by a single bite. We can also contract the plague by cat saliva coming in contact with our skin.
The symptoms of the bubonic plague in humans appear within 2-6 days after exposure and include the following:
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Weakness
- Muscle pain
- Swollen lymph glands in the groin, armpits, and limbs
When caught early, the bubonic plague is 100% treatable with antibiotic treatment. It’s important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible if you suspect being infected!
Left untreated, it can become septicaemic which means it can spread throughout the bloodstream. Also, left untreated, it can become pneumonic, which means it affects the lungs. This is when it can turn fatal very quickly!
Abc15.com reports on August 11, 2017:
“Officials are urging residents to reduce their exposure to the disease. Dogs are encouraged to be kept on leashes. Cats are highly susceptible to the plague; sick cats, especially ones that are allowed to roam outside, should receive a proper diagnosis and treatment to reduce human exposure.
Authorities also say a sudden die-off of prairie dogs and rodents may indicate that the plague is present or has spread. Anyone who has noticed a sudden decrease in rodents or rabbits is encouraged to contact the Navajo County Health Department.”
Officials in Navajo County released the following tips for those who work, live, or visit areas where the plague or rodents are present:
- “Do not handle sick or dead animals.
- Prevent pets from roaming loose. Pets can pick up the infected fleas of wild animals, and then pass fleas on to their human owners. This is one of the common ways for humans to contract plague. Cats with plague can also pass the disease on to humans directly through respiratory droplets.
- De-flea pets routinely. Contact your veterinarian for specific recommendations.
- Avoid rodent burrows and fleas.
- Use insect repellents when visiting or working in areas where plague might be active or rodents might be present (campers, hikers, woodcutters, and hunters).
- Wear rubber gloves and other protection when cleaning and skinning wild animals.
- Do not camp next to rodent burrows and avoid sleeping directly on the ground.”
Fox News shows a video news on ticks testing positive in Arizona:
In closing, I would like to state (as I have in my previous articles) that I am not trying to induce panic of any kind. However, left untreated or ignored, the bubonic plague is fatal.
I encourage all of you to do your own studies (beyond this article) in regard to more information and to stay current on weekly updates that may include your state.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is a great resource for the most current and accurate information.
What do you think about the Bubonic Plague threat? Please let us know in the comments section below.
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