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Flagstaff officials find plague infected fleas

Posted at 11:26 AM, May 30, 2016
and last updated 2016-05-30 14:26:10-04
Health officials say fleas collected near urban trails in Flagstaff have tested positive for plague.
 
The Arizona Daily Sun reports 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.