Idaho Health Officials Announce Another Case of Possible Plague

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Officials say a third area in southwest Idaho has rodents that are likely infected with plague.

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game in a statement on Thursday say testing of a vole in the Riddle area indicates possible plague. The agencies issued a similar statement Monday about voles with possible plague west of Caldwell. That followed an announcement last month that ground squirrels south of Boise tested positive for plague.

The disease can be spread by flea bites or by direct contact with infected animals. The last two human cases reported in Idaho, officials say, occurred in 1991 and 1992. Both patients fully recovered. Authorities say avoiding contact with rodents will reduce the chance of becoming infected.