As summer approaches, San Juan Basin Health (SJBH) reminds residents the risk of contracting certain animal-borne diseases increases. Zoonotic diseases are more common during warm weather months when humans and animals are frequently in close contact. SJBH stresses the importance of controlling the presence of rodents and mosquitoes around homes as well as wearing insect repellent and appropriate clothing when heading outdoors. Additionally, keep your pets up to date on vaccinations, and protect your pets from fleas and ticks. Do not to handle or feed wild animals, especially those that appear sick, and do not pick up dead animals or animal waste. Remember to speak to your children about these precautions.
Rabies
Rabies is an infectious viral disease that affects the nervous system of humans and other mammals. People contract rabies from the bite of a rabies-infected animal (rabid animal). Be aware that bats can bite people without their knowledge while sleeping. If you have had a bat in your room while you were sleeping, it is important that the bat is trapped and tested for rabies. Please call SJBH for further guidance or to report an encounter with a suspect animal.
Plague
Plague is caused by bacteria that can be transmitted to humans by the bites of infected fleas or by direct contact with infected animals. Plague is frequently detected in rock squirrels, prairie dogs, wood rats, and other species of ground squirrels and chipmunks. SJBH investigates prairie dog population die-offs for the presence of plague. Community members can report a suspected die-off to SJBH.
West Nile Virus
West Nile Virus (WNV) is primarily transmitted to humans and animals through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on birds carrying the virus. Once a mosquito is infected, it can spread the virus to humans and other animals, particularly horses.
The virus cannot be directly transmitted from person to person or from animals to people. However, in rare cases, WNV can be spread through blood transfusions, organ transplants, or from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
Symptoms of West Nile Virus vary, with most people experiencing no symptoms or only mild flu-like symptoms. In some cases, however, WNV can cause serious neurological illnesses, such as encephalitis or meningitis, which may lead to long-term health issues or even be fatal.
Prevention primarily involves avoiding mosquito bites by using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, and eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed.