JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colo. — The first plague case of the year was confirmed in a pet cat living in Evergreen near Cub Creek Park, Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) said.

This is also the first Jefferson County case in an animal since 2023, according to JCPH. The cat died from the illness.

“It’s not uncommon to see a few animal cases of plague in the warmer months in Colorado,” Jefferson County Environmental Health Director Jim Rada said. First plague case of the year confirmed in pet cat: JeffCo Public Health

While cases remain rare, JCPH said the risk rises during the warmer summer months. People and pets can get the plague from flea bites or coming into direct contact with infected animals. It can be life threatening without immediate treatment, JCPH said. Be on watch for symptoms

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