Yahoo News Colorado squirrel tests positive for the plague for first time in US history, health body says
A squirrel has tested positive for the bubonic plague in Colorado, a health body has revealed.
It is the first time in US history that the rodent has been known to have the disease, Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) said.
The plague is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Yersinia pestis, and can be contracted by humans and household animals if proper precautions are not taken.
It comes after a 15-year-old boy died from the condition in Mongolia and authorities have put out warnings in China and Russia.
Humans may be infected with plague either through bites from infected fleas, by a cough from an infected animal or by direct contact.
Cats are highly susceptible to plague and may die if not treated promptly with antibiotics, the health body said.
A JCPH spokesman added: "All pet owners who live close to wild animal populations, such as prairie dog colonies or other known wildlife habitats, should consult their veterinarian about flea control for their pets to help prevent the transfer of fleas to humans.
"Symptoms of plague may include sudden onset of high fever, chills, headache, nausea and extreme pain and swelling of lymph nodes, occurring within two to seven days after exposure.
"Plague can be effectively treated with antibiotics when diagnosed early."
Resident were advised to not feed wild animals in the region and use precautions when handling sick animals.
In Mongolia, a teenager has died from the bubonic plague after eating marmots.
The 15-year-old boy developed a high fever and died three days after consuming the meat with two friends, local media reported.
The country's National Centre for Zoonotic Diseases (NCZD) said the boy lived in the western Mongolian province of Govi-Altai.
Russia announced last week that it had stepped up patrols to stop people hunting marmots near its border with China and Mongolia
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Teenager dies from bubonic plague in Mongolia after eating marmot
