As summer approaches, San Juan Basin Public Health (SJBPH) reminds residents that the risk of contracting certain animal-borne diseases increases. Zoonotic diseases are more common during warm weather months when humans and animals are frequently in close contact. SJBPH stresses the importance of controlling the presence of rodents and mosquitoes around homes as well as wearing insect repellant and appropriate clothing when heading outdoors. Additionally, pets should be kept up to date on vaccinations, and protected from fleas and ticks. Wild animals should not be fed or handled, especially those that appear sick, nor should dead animals or animal waste be handled. These precautions should be shared with children.
Rabies is an infectious viral disease that affects the nervous system of humans and other mammals. People contract rabies from the bite of a rabies-infected animal (rabid animal). If a bat has been present in a room in which someone sleeps, it is important to trap and test the bat for rabies. SJBPH should be called for further guidance or to report an encounter with a suspect animal. Vaccinate pets to keep them and their humans safe.
Plague is caused by bacteria that can be transmitted to humans by the bites of infected fleas or by direct contact with infected animals. Plague is frequently detected in rock squirrels, prairie dogs, wood rats, and other species of ground squirrels and chipmunks. SJBPH investigates prairie dog population die-offs for the presence of plague. If an active colony of prairie dogs suddenly disappears, this should be reported to the agency.
West Nile Virus is carried by mosquitoes and can be passed on to humans through mosquito bites. This disease can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord). Insect repellent should be used when going outdoors. Standing water should be emptied from flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pet water dishes, discarded tires, and birdbaths on a regular basis, to reduce the number of mosquitoes around residences.
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) is a severe, sometimes fatal, respiratory disease. Hantavirus is carried by wild rodents, particularly deer mice, and is present in their droppings, urine, and saliva. Dried droppings or urine can be stirred up in dust and humans may contract Hantavirus by breathing in the contaminated air. When cleaning up mouse droppings, a mask should be worn and the area should be ventilated by opening windows and doors, with all droppings sprayed down with a bleach solution before vacuuming or sweeping.
Tularemia is maintained in the rodent and rabbit populations and is transmitted by insect bites, direct transmission, or inhalation or ingestion of the bacteria. The infective dose is very small and can persist for long periods of time in the environment in water, soil, and carcasses. When mowing or landscaping:
Don't mow over sick or dead animals. When possible, check the area for carcasses prior to mowing.
Use of masks during mowing and other landscaping activities may reduce the risk of inhaling the bacteria, but this has not been studied.
When hunting, trapping or skinning animals: Gloves should be used when handling animals, especially rabbits, muskrats, prairie dogs, and other rodents. Game meat should be cooked thoroughly before eating.
Colorado tick fever is the most common tick-borne disease in Colorado, though most cases go unreported. It's a viral illness characterized by fever, headache, body aches, nausea, abdominal pain and lethargy. Complete recovery may take two to three weeks. The disease is not life-threatening and infection results in lifelong immunity. There's currently no preventative vaccine or effective treatment except to let the disease run its course. Rocky Mountain spotted fever is a serious disease that's transmitted by infected Rocky Mountain wood ticks. There may be sudden onset of high fever, headache, chills, and muscle aches. A rash often appears a few days later. Prompt medical attention is extremely important because Rocky Mountain spotted fever can be fatal if treatment is delayed. The illness can be cured with antibiotics.
To learn more about the symptoms, treatments, and other information for these diseases, visit sjbpublichealth.org/communicabledisease/. Information is also available from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment at www.colorado.gov/cdphe or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov.
San Juan Basin Public Health is a local public health agency, governed by a seven member local Board of Health, serving all residents of Archuleta and La Plata counties. For 70 years, San Juan Basin Public Health has improved the health and environment of southwest Colorado.
