Health officials find plague infected fleas in Flagstaff


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FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — Health officials say fleas collected near urban trails in Flagstaff have tested positive for plague.

The Arizona Daily Sun reports (http://bit.ly/1XZOQtI ) that Coconino County Public Health Services District officials say the infected fleas were found in prairie dog burrows in the area.

Signs have been posted in the infected area and the burrows have been treated. Officials say they will monitor the area to determine if further action is required.

The bacterial disease can be spread by flea bites or by direct contact with infected animals. Officials say symptoms of plague in humans include fever, chills, headache and weakness, and that prompt diagnosis and treatment greatly reduces the fatality rate.

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Information from: Arizona Daily Sun, http://www.azdailysun.com/

Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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