Health warning issued after pet cat dies from plague

• A domestic cat in Evergreen, Colorado, tested positive for the plague and died, marking the first confirmed animal case in Jefferson County since 2023.
• This incident follows the recent death of an Arizona man from the same disease, highlighting the rare but serious nature of the infection.
• The plague, caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, is typically spread through flea bites or direct contact with infected animals.
• While uncommon in the US, with an average of seven human cases annually, it can be life-threatening if not treated promptly with antibiotics.
• Health officials advise precautions such as avoiding flea bites and contact with sick animals to reduce the risk of transmission to both people and pets.

IN FULL

Colorado on alert after dead cat tests positive for the plague - weeks after Arizona man died from disease