First human case of plague in Idaho since 1992 confirmed in Elmore County child

An Idaho child in Elmore County is recovering from the plague.

This is the first human case of the plague identified in the state since 1992.

Epidemiologists with the Central Health District say it’s not known whether the child was exposed to plague in Idaho or during a recent trip to Oregon.

Plague is a bacterial disease of rodents that is transmitted through the bites of infected fleas.

You can reduce your risk of becoming infected with plague by avoiding contact with wild rodents, their fleas and rodent carcasses.