Human plague case reported in Colorado, US: Know about bubonic plague - cause, symptoms, treatment

Health officials in the US state of Colorado have reported a case of human plague, a once-prevalent disease that's considered rare now.

The Colorado case was confirmed over the weekend in Pueblo County, some 100 miles (161kilometres) from the state capital Denver.

Not the first case in the US

Southwestern US has been the origin of most bubonic plague cases in recent years. Main states where cases were reported include Nex Mexico, Arizona and Colorado. Oregon, Nevada and California states have also reported cases.

Every year, some seven cases of bubonic plague are reported on average, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

A man died from the plague in New Mexico in March this year. A case was reported in February from Oregon, possibly from an infected pet cat.

What is bubonic plague?

Also known as black death, the bubonic plague was responsible for some of the biggest pandemics in past centuries. During the Middle Ages, the plague is estimated to have killed at least 50 million people, mainly in Europe and Asia.

However, it is very rare these days.

Bubonic plague is a bacterial disease spread by infected fleas that either bite or get in contact with human skin. The bacteria behind the bubonic plague is Yersinia Pestis.

Fleas carry the bacteria after being infected by rats, prairie dogs, squirrels, other rodents, or even pets.

What are the symptoms of bubonic plague?

Bubonic plague causes swelling in lymph nodes. The swellings can grow big in the neck, armpit, or crotch areas. These lymph node swellings are known as buboes, from which the disease gets its name.

Coughing up blood can occur in the worst cases. Diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting, bleeding, altered mental state, and shortness of breath can also occur.

Fever, headache, tiredness, and aches are other symptoms.

According to the World Health Organization, the symptoms can last for a day and up to a week.

What is the treatment for the bubonic plague?

In the US, there's no vaccine for the plague.

Those infected with bubonic plague should immediately get hospitalised and take antibiotic treatment.

(With inputs from agencies)