Squirrel tests positive for bubonic plague in US state Colorado

WASHINGTON - A squirrel tested positive for bubonic plague in the US central west state of Colorado on the weekend, prompting the state to issue a health warning, US media reported on Monday.

The squirrel infection was reported in the town of Morrison, Jefferson County, about 27 km southwest of the state capital Denver, after another case was earlier confirmed in the Broomfield county, northwest of Denver.

Reports said Colorado issued a health warning after the newly confirmed infection, citing an increased amount of reported plague activity in the state.

According to local health officials, cats are in particular susceptible to the fatal bacterial disease spread by fleas living on wild rodents. Humans can get infected through infected animals or bites by infected fleas.

Symptoms of bubonic plague include high fever, chills, headache and nausea, among others, occurring within a week after exposure.