MARQUETTE (WKZO-AM) — A resident of Marquette County has been diagnosed with a case of the Bubonic Plague.
Health officials say it’s believed the deadly bacteria was contracted in Colorado and brought back to Michigan. They were in an area with reported plague activity and after treatment the victim is recovering at home.
Modern medicine has advanced considerably since the plague wiped out millions during the Middle Ages, but it’s still a killer disease.
So far this year, 14 people have been diagnosed with the disease in the U.S. Four of them have died.
It is treatable with modern antibiotics, but the earlier its treated the better. Most of the cases have occurred in the rural west where fleas develop the deadly bacteria in nature, living among wild rodents.
State Health Department Spokesperson Jennifer Smith says it poses no risk to the local population. In fact it’s the first case of bubonic plague ever diagnosed in Michigan.
It’s transmitted by fleas and that’s been dealt with in Marquette County. Human to human transmission is extremely rare.
“People who are traveling and recreating outdoors in the western U.S. should be aware of the risk for exposure to plague,” said Dr. Eden Wells, Chief Medical Executive for MDHHS. “Use insect repellent on your clothing and skin and make sure that any pets that may be along are receiving regular flea treatments.”
It’s the first case and health officials hope its the last.
– John McNeill
