The San Juan Basin Health Department announced late Wednesday evening that the plague has arrived in La Plata County.
Rodents in the Trappers Crossing Subdivision in southwest La Plata County tested positive, the department said in a news release, warning that neighborhood pets should not be allowed to roam.
Cats and dogs get plague by eating infected rodents or by being bitten by infected fleas. All pets should be treated for fleas.
Owners should watch for any sign of illness or unusual behavior in pets, especially cats, the department said. If illness does occur, they should be taken to a veterinarian immediately.
Plague incubates in humans in two to six days. Symptoms include sudden onset of fever or chills, severe headache, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting and generally feeling ill. Plague in humans can be successfully treated if caught early, the health department said, but people should seek treatment immediately if a sudden unexplained illness occurs.
Two people have died of the plague this year in Colorado.
Contact San Juan Basin Health at 247-5702 with any concerns or questions.
abutler@durangoherald.com
