‘Don’t mess with wild animals’ is common sense, but not everyone has the self-control to do so. That said, a man in Arizona has tragically died from the plague, specifically the pneumonic plague. Similar to bubonic, “Humans usually become infected through the bite of an infected rodent flea or by handling an infected animal,” per CDC. And while there was a recent prairie dog die-off not too far from the patient’s residence, NBC reports the death was stated to be unrelated. However, several online users believe there’s more to this story, as well as the high possibility the person’s death could have been prevented.
“This has been an issue for decades,” states a Reddit user, to which they followed up with the basic advice: “Don’t feed wild squirrels.” Another person chimed in in agreement, saying, “Stay away from squirrels and prairie dogs; they are the major carriers of flea-ridden plague in the US!” While there’s no reported evidence of the patient feeding or interacting with wild rodents, chances are they came into contact with the animals or at least someone else who did. Going back to what was stated from the start, feeding wild animals, especially rodents, can be very dangerous. Whether for social media clout or excessive love of small critters, some people don’t seem to get the concept.
So, the patient contracted pneumonic plague, which can be very fatal if left untreated. On the other hand, it’s documented knowledge that antibiotics can easily cure this disease, meaning that the Arizona patient had a high chance of survival had they taken medicine before it was too late. “[It’s] Easily treatable nowadays,” remarks an individual, who goes on to say how those who contract it might just not be properly seeking medical treatment as they should. “It’s incredibly treatable to the point the plague itself is considered endemic,” another said in agreement.
That said, some people began to point fingers at the States’ current healthcare system, whose outrageous costs cause patients to avoid medical treatment due to financial reasons. “Blame our s**ty f**king privatized Healthcare and workslave culture,” angrily remarks a Reddit user, to which several hundred upvoted in agreement. “[It was] An entirely preventable death.” And sadly, they are probably right. With today’s medical advancements, no one should be dying from the plague. However, whether due to their own foolish interactions with wildlife or avoiding medical attention due to cost reasons, the patient met their unfortunate end.
