RSOE Emergency and Disaster Information ServiceBudapest, Hungary
Situation Update No. 1
On 16.07.2009 at 03:15 GMT+2Plague has hit a popular dog park in Jefferson County. Jeffco health officials have not found any humans infected with the plague, but flea specimens with plague have been collected at Westminster Hills Open Space Dog Park, West 105th Avenue and Simms Street, according to the Jefferson County Department of Health and Environment. Health officials suggest that nearby residents and those who visit the park take precautions to protect themselves and their pets. The area was closed to the public today and posted with plague warning signs. "There have been no reported human cases of plague in the area, and if precautions are taken, the disease is not considered to be a threat to humans," said Jim Dale, director of environmental-health services. Cats most commonly contract the disease from flea bites, a rodent scratch or bite, or ingestion of a rodent. Dogs are generally resistant to plague, however they may pick up and carry plague-infected fleas, the release said. Humans may be infected with plague through bites from infected fleas, by the coughing of an infected animal, or by direct contact — through a bite — with blood or tissues of infected animals. People can protect themselves and their pets from plague by rodent-proofing their homes; maintaining litter and trash-free environments; storing food and garbage properly to prevent rodent access; and keeping domesticated animals indoors. If pets are outside, owners should protect them by using insect repellant and flea-control products and keeping them on leashes. Residents also should talk with their veterinarian about effective flea-control products and procedures.
A flea from a Westminster dog park has tested positive for Bubonic plague. Jefferson County Public Health received the test results Wednesday. The flea was taken from a prairie dog die-off at the Westminster Hills Open Space/Dog Park at 105th Avenue and Simms Street. "The area of concern includes the entire dog park and open space area from Simms Street west to Indiana Street," a news release from Nancy Braden, the public information officer for the Jefferson County Health Department. The health department recommended that everyone living in or visiting the area in and around the Westminster Hills Open Space/Dog Park take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and their pets from plague. The affected area at the park has been closed to the public and posted with warning signs. "There have been no reported human cases of plague in the area and if precautions are taken the disease is not considered to be a threat to humans," said Dr. Jim Dale, Director of Environmental Health Services. Cats most commonly contract the disease from flea bites, a rodent scratch/bite, or ingestion of a rodent. Dogs are generally resistant to plague however, they may pick up and carry plague-infected fleas. Humans may be infected with plague through bites from infected fleas, by the cough from an infected animal, or by direct contact with infected animals. Residents are urged to talk with their veterinarian regarding effective flea control products. People can protect themselves and their pets from plague by rodent-proofing their homes; maintaining litter and trash-free environments; storing food and garbage properly to prevent rodent access, and keeping domesticated animals indoors. When outside, pet owners should use insect repellant, keep their pets on leashes, and use flea control products on pets. If these precautions are taken, the probability of contracting plague is extremely low. Symptoms of plague in humans occur within two to seven days after exposure. Those infected may experience fever, headache, weakness and rapidly developing pneumonia with shortness of breath; chest pain; cough; and sometimes bloody or watery saliva. The pneumonia progresses for two-to-four days and may cause respiratory failure and shock. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should consult a physician.)
