BATH, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 09: A squirrel forages for food as people enjoy the unseasonably warm weather in Baths Royal Victoria Park October 9, 2018 in Bath, England. Many parts of the UK are experiencing temperatures almost 10C higher than average which could see the hottest October day for many years. However, the settled weather is forecast to be replaced by much more wet and windy conditions at the weekend, forcing the Met Office to issue weather warnings, as the UK braces itself for Storm Callum with 80mph winds and 120mm of rain. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)
As if we didn't have enough to worry about these days. A squirrel that was found in Morrison, Colorado on Saturday tested positive for the bubonic plague, making it the first case of the plague in the United States, officials announced.
Humans can also be infected by flea bites from infected animals OR a rodent scratch/bite or ingestion of a rodent.
Jefferson County Public Health recommends people take the following precautions to protect themselves and their pets from the bubonic plague:
- 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.
- 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 a veterinarian about flea and tick control for pets.
- Keep pets from roaming freely outside the home where they may prey on wild animals and bring the disease home with them.
