Thought Plague Is In Faraway Past? No, Idaho Child Was Treated for “Black Death” + 4 Tips How to Avoid

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A child in Idaho is recovering from the plague noticed for the first time in 26 years, CBS News reports.

Source: Getty

First in 26 years

A child in Elmore County, Idaho, was treated after getting infected from the plague. However, it’s still unclear if the child caught the disease in Idaho or during a to Oregon. The Central District Health Department stated it’s just the fifth case of plague in Idaho since 1940.

It’s time to remember Yersinia pestis, the bacterium that carries plague and is the cause of millions of deaths during 14th century, the so-called “Black Death”.

Plague is most commonly found in the western US and somewhere in north:

Source: CDC

In Oregon and Idaho, 10 cases of plague involving people were noticed since 1990.

Sarah Correll, the member of Central District Health Department, stated that plague can be spread to humans when they are bitten by fleas, which are infected by the disease.”People can decrease their risk by treating their pets for fleas and avoiding contact with wildlife,” Correll said. “Wear insect repellent, long pants and socks when visiting plague-affected areas.”

Types of plague and symptoms

There are two main types of the deadly disease: bubonic plague and pneumonic plague. The first one includes the following symptoms: fever, headache, chills, weakness or swollen lymph nodes. Pneumonic plague’s symptoms are shortness of breath, chest pain, cough and sometimes bloody mucus.

How to prevent

Get rid of mice, rats, and fleas around your home;
Do not forget to wear gloves if you are getting in contact with infected animals;
Use repellent during camping and outdoor activities;
Use flea-control products to keep your pets healthy;

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