A person living in Oregon has become the first in the state for eight years to be diagnosed with bubonic plague.
Local health officials say the unnamed person was probably infected by their pet cat. However, the person had the infection identified in the early stages and has been treated with antibiotics and is responding well to the treatment.
Deschutes County Health Department said there was no significant risk to the community of further spread of the infection. No additional cases have been reported since this case came to light earlier in the month.
“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.
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.
According to Oregon Health Authority, plague is rare in Oregon, 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. The most common animals to carry plague in Central Oregon are squirrels and chipmunks, but mice and other rodents can also carry the disease.
Bubonic plague killed millions in Europe between 1346-1352 and was referred to as ‘the Black Death’, although it is thought to have been around for thousands of years. Today, there are about 650 cases per year – and about 90% of those who receive treatment after diagnosis will recover.
