In Oregon, health officials recently confirmed a case of the bubonic plague in the state, expressing their belief that the infected individual obtained the virus through their symptomatic cat.
🚨 Authorities in Oregon have confirmed the US state’s first human case of bubonic plague in almost a decade. 🫣 pic.twitter.com/QfVKjtnrGQ
— 🔥🇺🇸 KC 🇺🇸🔥 (@KCPayTreeIt) February 12, 2024
In a press release, Dr. Richard Fawcett, an officer of Deschutes County Health, said, “All close contacts of the resident and their pet have been contacted and provided medication to prevent illness.”
The symptoms of the illness usually arise in humans between “two to eight days after exposure to an infected animal or flea.”
The Gateway Pundit reported that symptoms of the plague included a sudden fever, weakness, nausea, chills, the appearance of lymph nodes and muscle aches.
“If not diagnosed early, bubonic plague can progress to septicemic plague (bloodstream infection) and/or pneumonic plague (lung infection),” Deschutes County explained. “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.”
The county pointed out that no other cases of the illness have been reported except the one they identified.
“No additional cases of plague have emerged during the communicable disease investigation,” the county indicated.
In Oregon, the last time a case of the bubonic plague was reported was in 2015.
Deschutes County created a list of different methods that individuals could use to avoid infection, including avoiding contact with rodents and fleas while keeping pets on a leash when outdoors and protecting them by using flea prevention products.
The county noted that cats are “highly susceptible” to the plague, with such infected animals able to transfer the illness to humans.
“If possible, discourage their hunting of rodents. Consult a veterinarian immediately if your cat becomes sick after being in contact with rodents,” the county said.
It is recommended that individuals prevent rodents from entering their homes. To do so, they should remove food and woodpiles, which attract rodents around homes and surrounding buildings, according to the county.
Residents should refrain from camping, sleeping or resting in areas near animal burrows, where rodents are usually present.
“Wear long pants tucked into boot tops to reduce exposure to fleas,” Deschutes County indicated.
