A cat in Jefferson County has died of plague, and local health officials urged people to protect themselves and their pets from fleas.
Jefferson County Public Health reported the cat lived near Cub Creek Park in Evergreen. It was the first animal with a confirmed plague case in the county since 2023.
Plague circulates in rodents in Colorado, and occasionally jumps to pets or humans through flea bites or direct contact with sick or dead animals.
Human symptoms include fever, chills, headache, nausea and swollen lymph nodes. Pets also often develop fever and swollen lymph nodes, and may also have low energy or lose their appetites. Early treatment with antibiotics can cure the infection.
To prevent plague, stay away from wild animals, especially if they look sick; don’t allow pets to wander, because they may encounter wildlife or dead animals; use flea prevention treatment for pets; and seek care quickly if you or a pet gets sick.
Colorado hasn’t published data about plague cases in animals since 2021. The last human case was in 2024 in Pueblo County.
Originally Published:
