Considered as one of the most catastrophic tragedies in human history, the black plague killed millions of people during the late Middle Ages, reducing the human population to about a third. The pandemic was caused by bubonic plague.
In Arizona, fleas tested positive for the plague, prompting health experts to warn the public to reduce the risk of infection. Arizona residents are also urged to report sudden die-off of rodents, particularly rabbits and prairie dogs to the health department. Sudden die off of rodents is a glaring sign of widespread infection.
The Navajo County announcement comes just as Coconino County made a similar discovery last week.
Fleas in Arizona have tested positive for the bubonic plague, prompting health officials to advise residents to “take precautions” to reduce their risk of becoming infected with the disease, which killed millions during the Middle Ages.Navajo County confirmed on Friday that fleas in the area have tested positive for the disease, once known as 'the Black Death.'
“Navajo County Health Department is urging the public to take precautions to reduce their risk of exposure to this serious disease, which can be present in fleas, rodents, rabbits and predators that feed upon these animals,” the county wrote in a post on Facebook. The disease can be transmitted to humans and other animals by the bite of an infected flea or by direct contact with an infected animal.”
The county also urged people living, working, camping, or visiting the affected areas to take precautions to reduce their risk of contracting the plague. Such precautions including avoiding sick or dead animals, keeping dogs on a leash, and avoiding rodent burrows and fleas.
Image courtesy of: OceanBaby-in-SLC
