Boy Contracts The Plague From Squirrels In Idaho, Leading To The First Appearance Of Deadly Disease In Decades

Jul 02, 2018

The plague once decimated Europe, but most consider it a disease of the past. That isn't the case in Idaho recently, as a young boy was found to have the devastating disease in 2016, with the last previous case being all the way back in 1992.

The Central District Health Department in Idaho confirmed that a young boy in Elmore County contracted the deadly disease and believe he got it from local squirrels. Another theory is that he was exposed to the plague while on an Oregon trip, where the disease has infected eight people from 1990 to present day.

His mother took the boy to the hospital where it was discovered that he had the bubonic plague. He was put on antibiotics. He was able to return home and fully recovered from the disease.

It once wiped out a huge population of Europe, at an estimated 50 million people in the 1400s. However, the disease is still found in many parts of western America to this day. It is most commonly found in the areas of northern Arizona and New Mexico.

Later in 2017, it was confirmed that fleas in Navajo County and Coconino County in Arizona were found to be carrying the bubonic plague. Officials in these counties warned citizens to be cautious and go to the hospital if they believe they've been infected. The officials said that the fleas could be on animals like dogs, prairie dogs, and rodents, as well as animals that prey on smaller, flea carrying animals.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has also warned the public about bubonic plague, saying that it is especially prevalent in cool summers that have followed wet winters.

Medical officials say that individuals with the plague will appear at only two to six days after being exposed to the fleas carrying the disease. It includes symptoms like fever, chills, fatigue, and headaches. It can be hard to identify in early stages, but catching it early is absolutely necessary and can be easily treated with antibiotics. If allowed to be untreated for too long, it has a 30 to 60% fatality rate.

Spread the news to protect yourself and your family from this scary and potentially fatal disease! Treat pets for their fleas and avoid contact with wildlife. When going outdoors, make sure to wear long pants and insect repellant to keep away fleas that may be infected.

Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation with your doctor. Your health is important to us!