Should Coloradans Worry About Contracting the Bubonic Plague?

Fortunately, many devastating diseases such as tuberculosis, measles, and mumps have been under control for many years due to vaccines and have wreaked much less havoc in recent decades than in stories of the past.

Read More: Devastating Disease Returns to 17 States: Will Colorado Be Next? |

However, every now and then a disease that the general public presumed was under control rears its ugly head again and one infection can spawn an entirely new outbreak if not handled correctly.

One of these diseases that claimed the lives of countless individuals many years ago and was given the nickname "The Black Death" but is commonly known as the bubonic plague in modern times, appears to have been making a comeback.

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In fact, it was recently found that at least one positive case of the bubonic plague has been reported in 2024. So, is this something that Coloradans should be worried about?

Bubonic Plague in Colorado: A Worrisome Revelation in 2024?

The positive case was reported in Pueblo County, Colorado, on Monday, July 8, 2024.

While the Black Death pandemic that was responsible for roughly 50 million deaths took place back in the 1300s, the plague is nothing to scoff about.

In fact, there is currently no vaccine for the plague in the United States and statistics show that between 30 and 60% of infections result in death.

However, there are ways to prevent infection by this devastating disease.

Experts say that the best way to avoid contracting the bubonic plague is to avoid animals like prairie dogs and rats that are known to carry it, as well as take precautions when handling dead animals of any kind.

[USA Today]