Colorado Teen Dies From Plague

[From article]
The Larimer County Health Department confirmed that a teen died from the plague earlier this month.
Taylor Gaes died on June 8, most likely from fleas on a dead rodent or other animal on the family acreage.
[. . .]
In recent decades, an average of seven human plague cases are reported each year nationwide according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Most human cases in the United States are scattered in rural areas and occur predominantly in two regions:
Northern New Mexico, northern Arizona, and southern Colorado
California, southern Oregon, and far western Nevada
Bubonic plague is the most common form of the disease in humans (about 80% of cases) Symptoms begin two to six days after the bite of an infected flea, or contact with an infected rodent or cat. Typical symptoms include swollen lymph nodes, sudden onset of fever or chills, severe headache, extreme exhaustion, and a general feeling of illness. Bubonic plague can be successfully treated when diagnosed promptly. If you have had a possible exposure to infected rodents or fleas and are experiencing these symptoms, consult a physician as soon as possible.

http://denver.cbslocal.com/2015/06/20/plague-confirmed-in-larimer-county-teens-death/

Plague Confirmed In Larimer County Teen’s Death
June 20, 2015 1:12 PM
CBS News Denver CO

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Tragedy: Taylor Gaes, 16, from Fort Collins, Colorado, succumbed to the plague just four days after he started suffering from 'flu-like symptons' despite being in 'superb health.'



[From article]

A talented high school athlete has died after contracting the plague at his family's Colorado ranch.
Taylor Gaes, 16, from Fort Collins succumbed to the disease just four days after he started suffering from 'flu-like symptons' despite being in 'superb health'.
The sophomore was a top sportsman at Poudre High School, playing for the varsity baseball team as a pitcher and the football team as quarterback.
His coaches said with his 6ft 4in frame, he was destined to play college sport, but his career was cut tragically short by the freak illness. [. . .]
On average, only seven people contract the plague in the U.S. every year and the last time there was a case in Larimer County was in 1999. Only three have been logged in the last 30 years.
The youngster's family decided to release his name after hundreds of mourners turned up to their farm to show their respects.
Their tragic announcement was made in a bid to warn those who were on their land to seek medical attention.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3133111/Talented-high-school-athlete-16-dies-contracting-PLAGUE-Teenager-succumbs-freak-illness-four-days-suffering-flu-like-symptons-ranch.html

Talented high school athlete, 16, dies after contracting the PLAGUE: Colorado teenager succumbs to freak illness four days after suffering 'flu-like symptons' on his ranch
Taylor Gaes died earlier this month from a septicemic form of the disease
Was destined for a career in baseball and was also a quarterback
He was likely bitten by a flea or came into contact with a dead animal
Family released his name to warn mourners who visited their farm
Officials urged anyone on their land in last seven days to seek medical care
By WILLS ROBINSON FOR DAILYMAIL.COM
PUBLISHED: 23:09 EST, 20 June 2015 | UPDATED: 00:52 EST, 21 June 2015