(Salt Lake City, UT) – Utah public health officials have confirmed that an elderly resident died from plague earlier this month. This is the first Utah resident to be diagnosed with plague since 2009.
Plague is a rare, life-threatening, flea-borne illness that is maintained in a rodent-flea transmission cycle. Species such as prairie dogs, black footed-ferrets, squirrels, and rabbits are especially susceptible and experience high mortality upon infection.
Plague is naturally occurring in Utah, and typically seen in the prairie dog populations each year. Since April 1, 2015, a total of 12 cases of human plague have been reported in residents of seven states: Arizona (two), California (one), Colorado (four), Georgia (one), New Mexico (two), Oregon (one), and Utah (one). The two cases in Georgia and the California resident have been linked to exposures at or near Yosemite National Park.
The investigation continues into the circumstances surrounding the Utahn’s illness.
The patient may have contracted the disease from a flea, or contact a dead animal. At this time, public health officials believe there was no travel history indicating that the Utah resident traveled anywhere else where plague is common.
Human plague occurs in areas where the bacteria are present in wild rodent populations. The risks are generally highest in rural and semi-rural areas, including campsites and homes that provide food and shelter for various ground squirrels, chipmunks and wood rats, or other areas where you may encounter rodents.
Plague is a very serious illness, but it is treatable with commonly available antibiotics. The earlier a patient seeks marmedical care and receives treatment that is appropriate for plague, the better the chance for a full recovery. Some common symptoms may include fever, headache, chills, and weakness.
If you are experiencing symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
Notify your local Officials if you see an unusual number of dead prairie dogs, squirrels, or rabbits in any given area.
