Although many in America believed that the bubonic plague was something that only the Chinese and the Mongolians had to worry, the story of a squirrel testing positive for the plague less than 20 miles from Denver should have them worrying a bit about this notorious virus.

Health officials have confirmed that a squirrel is the first living species that has contracted the virus in Morrison, Jefferson County which is located 17 miles away from the metropolitan city of Denver, Colorado.

In a public announcement, the health officials explained the plague was a disease that is caused and spread by a virus, not unlike Covid-19. Although they did acknowledge the dangers of the virus and the disease, officials did also state that it is unlikely that anyone contracts the virus should they take the right steps.

For the virus to spread to humans, people need to get bit by either the fleas or the animals that have contracted the virus. In China and Mongolia, consuming a rodent called Marmots has been explained as the reason why the virus has spread to humans.

Out of the common house pets, cats are more likely to contract the virus because of their tendency to hunt rodents. Officials explained that the felines also need to be treated with antibiotics to survive should it contract the virus via flea bites or otherwise.

Although dogs are less likely to get in such proximity or consume rodents such as squirrels, they also may contract the plague should it get bitten by an infected flea.

The most important measure in treating the plague is an early diagnosis since it can be treated with antibiotics. However, it is made more difficult by the fact that much of its symptoms are like the common cold, including those such as fever, chills and a headache.

Health officials outlined a few measures that everyone can take to minimize the risks of exposing themselves to the virus, such as removing any food or water that people have been preparing for the local wildlife and reducing the trash in the yard to not invite any wildlife.

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