Officials have reported the death of a cat in Colorado from the plague, which comes shortly after an Arizona man succumbed to the same disease.
The cat, from Evergreen, was confirmed to have the plague but unfortunately did not survive, as stated by the Jefferson County Public Health Authority.
This marks the first confirmed case of an animal contracting the Yersinia pestis bacteria in the county since 2023. The news broke following a report of a prairie dog dying in the area, which raised concerns about a potential outbreak.
A man from Arizona passed away at Flagstaff Medical Center after arriving with severe symptoms, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
Plague can affect both people and pets, typically transmitted through bites from infected fleas or direct contact with sick animals, according to health authorities.
While human cases of plague are rare, they can be fatal without appropriate treatment. Symptoms in humans include sudden high fever, chills, headaches, nausea, and swollen lymph nodes. Pets may exhibit fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, and swollen lymph nodes as well.
Fortunately, early detection of the disease allows for treatment using antibiotics, as pointed out by health officials.
Authorities are advising the public to avoid contact with dead wildlife and not to let pets roam outside freely to mitigate the risk of infection.
Jefferson County Environmental Health Director Jim Radha emphasized the importance of local veterinarians as the first line of defense, advising pet owners to monitor their animals’ health closely, especially in cases of flea-related illnesses.
