What Is Human Plague Case Detected in US State of Colorado? All You Need To Know About Severe Infection Historically Known As ‘Black Death’
Health officials in Pueblo County, Colorado, have reported a human case of the plague, a rare but potentially deadly infection. Plague, caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, is primarily spread through infected fleas and can manifest in various forms, including bubonic, septicemic, and pneumonic.
Pueblo County, July 8: Health officials in Pueblo County, Colorado, have reported a human case of the plague, a rare but potentially deadly infection. This report has raised concerns among health officials. Plague, caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, is primarily spread through infected fleas and can manifest in various forms, including bubonic, septicemic, and pneumonic. Details about the affected individual, such as age, gender, and method of contraction, have not been disclosed, prompting investigations into the source of infection.
Health authorities are emphasising early detection and treatment with antibiotics as crucial measures to mitigate the spread and impact of this ancient disease. But how does a disease historically known as the "Black Death" resurface in contemporary America? Health officials have confirmed the diagnosis but have withheld crucial details about the individual affected and the circumstances surrounding the infection. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by zoonotic diseases. Understanding the dynamics of plague transmission and its symptoms is crucial in managing and mitigating its impact on public health. Bubonic Plague in US: Oregon Reports First Human Case of Bubonic Plague in Nearly a Decade.
What is a Human Plague?
Human plague, caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, is a severe infectious disease that has left an indelible mark on history. Originating in rodents and their fleas, this bacterium has periodically erupted into devastating epidemics throughout history, most notably during the infamous Black Death in the 14th century, which eradicated populations across Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports an average of seven cases per year in the US, predominantly in the southwestern states and California. First Human Case of Bubonic Plague in Oregon: US Resident Diagnosed With Rare Plague, All You Need To Know About the Disease.
Symptoms and Treatment of Plague
Plague can manifest in various forms, such as bubonic, septicemic, and pneumonic, each presenting distinct symptoms and modes of transmission. According to the CDC, Bubonic plague, the most common form typically manifests with swollen and painful lymph nodes (called buboes), fever, chills, headache, and fatigue. Septicemic plague, where the infection spreads to the bloodstream, can cause abdominal pain, shock, and bleeding under the skin and other organs.
Pneumonic plague, the most severe and potentially lethal form, affects the lungs and can lead to severe respiratory symptoms like cough, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics are crucial for managing the plague effectively. Antibiotics such as streptomycin, gentamicin, doxycycline, or ciprofloxacin are commonly used to treat plague infections. Treatment should begin as soon as possible to prevent complications and reduce the risk of death.
Transmission and Prevention
Plague is primarily transmitted through bites from infected fleas that have fed on small rodents like rats, squirrels, or prairie dogs. Humans can also contract the disease through direct contact with infected tissues or fluids from animals or, rarely, through inhaling respiratory droplets from infected individuals with pneumonic plague. Historically, plague has been associated with unsanitary conditions and close proximity to rodents and their habitats. Preventative measures include avoiding contact with rodents and their fleas, using insect repellents, treating pets regularly for fleas, and wearing protective clothing when handling potentially infected animals.Early detection of plague symptoms is crucial for timely treatment and to prevent further transmission within communities.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 08, 2024 01:52 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).