LANSING, MI-- The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has confirmed a case of bubonic plague in a Michigan resident who recently returned from Colorado.
The Marquette County resident is recovering after receiving treatment, and officials say there’s no danger of human-to-human transmission.
While it’s Michigan’s first plague diagnosis, it’s the 14th case reported nationally. Four people have died of the disease.
Plague is a rare, life-threatening, flea-borne illness carried by rodents and their fleas, and occurs in rural and semi-rural areas of the western U.S. The risk for contracting plague is generally higher in settings that provide food and shelter for rodents, such as campsites and cabins. Officials say that region is experiencing an increase in reported cases of plague this year. The reason for the increase isn’t yet known.
“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.”
Plague does not naturally occur in Michigan. This is the first ever report of plague in a Michigan resident.
