The first case of bubonic plague in Oregon in almost ten years is believed to have been transmitted by the patient’s cat. The infected person, a resident of Deschutes County, along with their symptomatic pet, has received medication to prevent further illness, according to health officials.
Though the condition of the individual and their cat remains unknown, the case was identified and treated early, posing minimal risk to the community. The bubonic plague, known for devastating Europe in the 14th century, is carried by wild rodents and their fleas. Symptoms typically include high fever, lethargy, and swollen lymph nodes called buboes, manifesting within two to eight days of exposure.
Treatment with antibiotics is effective if the plague is identified early. However, it can be fatal if left untreated. This is the first confirmed case in Oregon since 2015, and there have been a total of nine human cases in the state since 1995, with no reported deaths.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports an average of 5 to 15 cases of bubonic plague each year in the western United States. The disease is most commonly found in rural and semi-rural areas with a high population of wild rodents. People are advised to avoid contact with sick or dead wild rodents and not to feed squirrels or chipmunks. Additionally, it is recommended to keep pets away from wild rodents to prevent infection.
