The Pueblo City-County Health Department confirmed on Wednesday that the victim was an adult, but failed to provide further details.
"We extend our deepest condolences to the family," said Sylvia Proud, public health director of the Pueblo City-County Health Department, as quoted by local news outlet KRDO.
Plague cause of death for star Colorado high school athlete http://t.co/yn8grcQkbw pic.twitter.com/8GuywLOB7Vโ RT (@RT_com) June 23, 2015
According to the department, the plague can spread through rodent populations in localized areas, which often ends in mass die-offs. This results in hungry infected fleas seeking other sources of blood, which increases the risk to humans and other animals.
The health department is currently investigating the situation, along with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
It comes less than two months after a 16-year-old passed away in Larimer County, Colorado after suffering from septicemic plague.
Medical professionals find it difficult to detect and diagnose the septicemic strain of the plague, as the victim's glands do not swell.
Bubonic plague found in Arizona after fleas infect prairie dog burrow
http://t.co/48znLIrs3W pic.twitter.com/xBt5FXklBIโ RT (@RT_com) April 7, 2015
The most common form of the plague is bubonic, during which patients usually show symptoms two to six days after coming into contact with the disease. Symptoms include fever, chills, weakness, and swollen glands.
The least common type is pneumatic, which involves pneumonia and is capable of spreading among people through coughing.
When caught in time, all types of the plague can be treated with antibiotics. However, the disease can be deadly if treatment is not administered right away.
Colorado residents have been advised to report any unusual die-offs of rabbits or prairie dogs to the health department, and to stay away from die-off areas.
Comment: "Medical professionals find it difficult to detect and diagnose the septicemic strain of the plague, as the victim's glands do not swell." Scary thought if you spend time in the great outdoors enjoying nature.