Health officials have confirmed plague in two squirrels found in downtown Castle Rock.
The Tri-County Health Department said the risk to humans is low, but “Castle Rock workers and residents are being warned to protect themselves and their pets from exposure to rodents that may carry fleas,” according to a statement released today by Bruce Wilson, deputy director of the department.
Colorado, so far this year, has had no confirmed case of plague in humans.
The squirrels were found near Third and Wilcox streets near the county government building, the health department stated.
People should stay away and keep their animals away from dead squirrels, prairie dogs or rabbits and report the find to the Tri-County Health Department at 303-663-7650.
Plague is a bacterial disease spread by fleas that have fed on infected animals. Plague in humans is treated with antibiotics, but treatment is most effective when the illness is diagnosed early, according to the health department.
Symptoms in humans include fever, swollen and tender lymph nodes, chills and extreme exhaustion.
Dogs do not usually get sick, but can be carriers for the fleas. Cats can be treated by a veterinarian if they are tended to promptly, health officials stated.
Colorado averages only about two cases of human infection a year,but nationwide there are 10 to 15 human infections a year..
From 1990 through 1999, Colorado ranked second in the nation for non-human plague activity, according to state health records.
Non-human cases of plague most often occur in summer and early fall, most often between 5,000 and 7,500 feet of elevation. The Front Range and southwestern Colorado are most often affected.
