How to Avoid Contracting the Plague

With the report of a death in Colorado due to the plague, people are wondering what they should do to avoid getting it.

The fact is, the plague is extremely rare, and the vast majority of us will avoid getting it without ever doing anything to prevent it. Still, people need to know what the risks are, and how to stay safe.

A person in Pueblo County has died from the plague. Authorities do not know exactly how they contracted the disease, but 80% of plague cases are transmitted from infected fleas. According to the Denver Channel, it's the second confirmed death in Colorado this year due to the plague.

So, what can you do to improve your chances of not getting the plague? Here are some tips from the Centers for Disease Control.

• Avoid sick or dead animals
• If you have to handle dead rodents wear gloves, long sleeves, and a long handled shovel
• Use insect repellent
• Protect  your pets from fleas

The most common symptoms of the plague are a high fever, weakness, chills, fatigue, muscle ache, and severe confusion. Touching an infected dead rodent can spread the disease through your skin.