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The latest on the Key Bridge collapse, New York puts forth legislation to get clean energy projects on the grid and Wisconsin and other states join a federal summer food program to help feed kids across the country.

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Republicans float conspiracy theories on the collapse of Baltimore's Key Bridge, South Carolina's congressional elections will use a map ruled unconstitutional, and the Senate schedules an impeachment trial for Homeland Secretary Mayorkas.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

At Least Two New Mexicans Treated for Potentially Deadly Plague

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Tuesday, July 29, 2014   

SANTA FE, N.M. - At least two people in New Mexico are being treated for the potentially deadly disease known as the plague.

While those infected are expected to survive, Dr. Paul Ettestad, public health veterinarian with the State Department of Health, says the plague has also infected several animals in Bernalillo, Torrance, and Santa Fe counties.

"We've had several dogs and cats come up positive," says Ettestad. "The nature park in Edgewood had a couple of its animals on exhibit affected, its mountain lion and its coati. Unfortunately they succumbed to the plague."

A coati is a small, raccoon-like animal.

Ettestad says the plague is a bacterial disease typically passed to humans and animals from the bites of infected fleas. He notes an ongoing rodent die-off in the East Mountain area is adding to the problem. People can catch the disease from their dogs and cats which come in contact with dead prairie dogs and other animals infected with the plague-carrying fleas.

Ettestad emphasizes the importance of keeping children and pets far away from areas near a rodent die-off.

"Work with your veterinarian to use a flea control product," advises Ettestad. "Try to reduce rodent habitat right around your home or workplace. Remove any brush or rock piles or junk or cluttered firewood. Don't leave your dog food out at night or anything that will attract rodents closer to your home."

Symptoms of plague in humans include fever, chills, headache and weakness. In most cases, there is a painful swelling of the lymph node in the groin, armpit or neck areas. Ettestad says it can be treated with antibiotics, but infected people and animals require prompt medical attention to avoid serious complications or even death.


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