Health Alert for Summertime

Informational chart about Summertime Disease Carried by Wildlife and Insects

July 3, 2023 Pueblo, CO – Public Health Officials in Pueblo continue to alert residents of summertime illnesses, including those carried by wildlife and insects such as West Nile virus, plague, tularemia, and hantavirus.

Pueblo County received higher levels of precipitation this year than normal, creating conditions for mosquitoes, fleas, and rodent populations to increase. As a result, transmissible diseases carried by these wildlife and insects can also increase.

“Summertime is when more people are outdoors, enjoying barbecuing, fishing, camping, and gardening. As you are outdoors this summer, please take steps to protect yourself and your pets against serious summertime diseases,” said Alicia Solis program manager at the Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment

“The diseases tularemia and plague are typically found in wildlife, especially rabbits and prairie dogs,” stated Solis. “Tularemia and plague can be passed to humans or animals through the bite of infected insects, most commonly ticks, fleas and deer flies, and by handling infected, sick, or dead animals,” explained Solis.

Tularemia

Tularemia is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis, which commonly infects rabbits.  “In previous years, we have seen tularemia widespread in rabbits in Pueblo West,” explained Solis.

 

Plague

Plague, a potentially serious illness, is caused by a bacterium called Yersina pestis. It is usually passed from animal to animal by infected fleas and is often seen to have devastating effects on prairie dog colonies. The hungry infected fleas, who have lost their normal hosts, seek other sources of blood, thus increasing the risk to humans and other animals frequenting the area.   

 

People can get tularemia and plague in a few of the same ways:

• being bitten by an infected tick, flea, or deerfly
• handling infected animal carcasses

“It is important for pet owners to keep their animals from roaming free as they can be exposed to tularemia and plague,” stated Solis. “Ensure your pets have flea and tick protection. Do not let them eat dead animals. If your pet stops eating or drinking or develops other symptoms, take the pet to the veterinarian promptly.”

 

Symptoms of tularemia and plague in humans usually occur 2-7 days after exposure and may include:

• sudden fever
• chills
• headaches
• muscle aches
• cough
• progressive weakness

Other symptoms of tularemia and plague depend on how a person was exposed to the bacteria. These symptoms can include pneumonia, ulcers on the skin or mouth, swollen and painful lymph glands, and a sore throat.

Tularemia is not spread from person to person so those who are infected do not need to be isolated. People who have been exposed to tularemia or plague should be treated as soon as possible. These diseases can be fatal if not treated with the right antibiotics.

 

Public health recommends the following:

• Avoid all contact with wild animals; do not feed or handle them.
• Never touch sick or dead animals with your bare hands. If an animal must be moved, use a long-handled shovel to place it in a garbage bag. Place the bag in an outdoor garbage can and then wash your hands.
• Wear gloves and closed-toe shoes when gardening.
• Do not mow over dead animals.
• Avoid ticks and fleas. Wear insect repellent containing DEET or treat clothing with repellent containing permethrin, especially if in rodent infested areas like prairie dog colonies.
• Avoid drinking unpurified water from streams or lakes and prevent your pets from doing the same.
• Apply flea/tick protection to pets.
• Prevent pets from hunting or eating wild animals.

 

West Nile Virus

West Nile virus (WNV) is most commonly spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. Infected mosquitoes then spread West Nile Virus to people and other animals by biting them.p

WNV typically occurs in the summer months, though it depends on climate and weather conditions. Most people infected with WNV do not experience illness, however 1 in 5 infected people will have a fever illness that is like the flu. Serious WNV infection of the brain or tissues around the brain can occur in about 1 in 150 infected people; those most at risk are people aged 60 years and older or those with diabetes, kidney disease, or weak immune systems.

With heavy rain in May and June, there is an early start to mosquito season in Pueblo County and Colorado. Public health anticipates higher than average mosquito activity now and into the coming weeks.

Solis also advised all individuals to protect themselves from West Nile virus by following the Four D’s:

• DRAIN: Eliminate standing water in tires or similar water-holding containers as these may serve as mosquito breeding sites. Change the water in birdbaths, empty tires or flower pots, at least weekly.
• DUSK AND DAWN: Avoid outdoor activities, such as gardening, at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
• DEET: Picaridin, IR3535, and oil of lemon eucalyptus are also effective ingredients to look for in insect repellents. Always follow label instructions for application.
• DRESS: If outside during the periods when mosquitoes are most active, cover up by wearing long-sleeved shirts, pants, shoes and socks.

 

Hantavirus

Hantavirus is an infection that causes serious pneumonia, damage to organs, and even death. It is carried by rats and mice and is most commonly spread to people by inhaling dust contaminated with rodent saliva, urine or droppings. Infections in humans typically occur in May, June and July.

Initial symptoms include fever, chills, severe muscle pain, headache, stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. These symptoms are followed by progressively worsening cough and difficulty breathing due to fluid buildup in the lungs. People with hantavirus infection need to be hospitalized, often in an intensive care unit. Delayed care can result in death.

Follow these steps to reduce the chance of getting exposed to hantavirus:

• Avoid contact with wild rodents, including squirrels. Do not feed or handle them.
• Prevent rodent infestations around your house:
  • Clear plants and materials away from outside walls.
  • Reduce outdoor access to food items.
  • Keep garbage cans tightly sealed.
  • Fill structural holes in homes or buildings on your property with wire screening, steel wool or cement.
• If you need to enter a building (such as a garage, shed, cabin, or barn) that has been infrequently used or has rodent infestation:
  • Wear a mask and gloves.
  • Open all doors and windows in the building for 30 minutes and leave the area during this time.
  • Do NOT sweep or vacuum up mouse or rat urine, droppings, or nests. This can increase your risk of inhaling the virus.
  • Spray areas where urine, feces, and dust have accumulated using one of the following preferred disinfectants: General-purpose household disinfectant cleaning product (confirm the word “Disinfectant” is included on the label), or a bleach solution made with 1.5 cups of household bleach in 1 gallon of water (or 1 part bleach to 9 parts water). Make bleach solution fresh before use.
  • Use paper towels to wipe up the urine or droppings. Mop the area using the disinfectant.
• Wash your hands thoroughly after cleaning or after any exposure to animal urine or feces.

Additional information is available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website cdc.gov, or by calling the Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment (719) 583-4369.

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