HQ Team
February 15, 2024: The US state of Oregon has confirmed its first case of bubonic plague in eight years and authorities say there is no cause for worry with no new cases of the disease being reported.
Deschutes County Health Services confirmed a case of human plague in a resident on February 7. “The individual was likely infected by their symptomatic pet cat,” according to a statement.
“All close contacts of the resident and their pet have been contacted and provided medication to prevent illness,” said Dr Richard Fawcett, Deschutes County Health Officer.
Symptoms of plague usually begin in humans two to eight days after exposure to an infected animal or flea. These symptoms may include a sudden onset of fever, nausea, weakness, chills, muscle aches, and/or visibly swollen lymph nodes called buboes.
Lung infection
If not diagnosed early, bubonic plague can progress to septicemic plague (bloodstream infection) and/or pneumonic plague (lung infection).
These forms of plague are more severe and difficult to treat. “Fortunately, this case was identified and treated in the earlier stages of the disease, posing little risk to the community. No additional cases of plague have emerged during the communicable disease investigation.”
According to the Oregon Health Authority, plague is rare in the state, with the last case reported in 2015. It spreads to humans or animals through a bite from an infected flea or by contact with an animal sick with the disease.
Chipmunks
The most common animals to carry the plague in Central Oregon are squirrels and chipmunks, but mice and other rodents can also spread the disease.
The authorities advised its residents to avoid contact with rodents and their fleas. “Never touch sick, injured, or dead rodents.”
They told residents to keep pets on a leash when outdoors and protect them with flea control products. Pet cats are highly susceptible to plague, and infected cats can transmit the bacterium to humans.
Residents were told to keep wild rodents out of homes and remove food, woodpiles, and other attractants for rodents around homes and outbuildings. “Do not camp, sleep, or rest near animal burrows or areas where dead rodents are observed.”
