Girl, 10, DIES From The Plague As Cases Are Confirmed In Six Colorado Counties

Girl, 10, Dies from the plague as cases are confirmed in six Colorado counties

Colorado health authorities are investigating after a 10-year-old girl died from the plague this month, the first fatality from the insect-borne disease in the state since 2015. The plague, caused by bacteria often spread by fleas, has been confirmed in six counties: San Miguel, El Paso, Boulder, Huerfano and Adams, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health. The girl lived in La Plata County in the southwestern part of the state. 'We are so sad for the loss of this young Coloradan and our deepest condolences go to the family,' said state veterinarian Dr. Jennifer House in a statement published by the Associated Press.'Public Health is doing an epidemiological investigation and wants Coloradans to know that while this disease is very rare, it does occur sometimes, and to seek medical care if you have symptoms.' The state reported 22 cases of the plague between 2005 to 2020. Nine of them were in La Plata County. In 2015, four people died of the plague nationwide, including two from Colorado: an adult in Pueblo County and a teenager in Larimer County, according to Colorado Public Radio. Antibiotics are highly effective against the disease, but they should be administered within 24 hours of the first symptoms because infection can cause 'serious illness or death,' according to Denver Public Health. Most symptoms are similar to those of the flu. They include fever, chills, headache, weakness and coughing. Infection often leads to tender or swollen lymph nodes and discoloration of the skin. Source