Deschutes County Health Services has confirmed a case of human plague in a neighborhood resident.
The individual was possible contaminated by their symptomatic pet cat, stated the company, which stated shut contacts have been notified and offered treatment to stop sickness.
Symptoms of plague often begin in people two to eight days after publicity to an contaminated animal or flea. Symptoms could embody a sudden onset of fever, nausea, weak point, chills, muscle aches, and/or visibly swollen lymph nodes referred to as buboes.
If not recognized early, bubonic plague can progress to extreme and troublesome to deal with sickness. This case was recognized and handled in early phases, posing little threat to the neighborhood, stated the company. No extra instances have emerged.
According to the Oregon Health Authority, plague is uncommon within the state, with the final case reported in 2015. It spreads to people or animals via a chunk from an contaminated flea or by contact with an animal sick with the illness.
Tips to stop the unfold of plague:
- Avoid all contact with rodents and their fleas. Never contact sick, injured, or lifeless rodents.
- Keep pets on a leash when open air and shield them with flea management merchandise. Do not permit pets to strategy sick or lifeless rodents or discover rodent burrows.
- Pet cats are extremely prone to plague, and contaminated cats can transmit the bacterium to people. If attainable, discourage their looking of rodents. Consult a veterinarian instantly in case your cat turns into sick after being in touch with rodents.
- Residents ought to hold wild rodents out of houses and take away meals, woodpiles, and different attractants for rodents round houses and outbuildings.
- Do not camp, sleep, or relaxation close to animal burrows or areas the place lifeless rodents are noticed.
- Refrain from feeding squirrels, chipmunks, or different wild rodents in campgrounds and picnic areas. Store meals and refuse in rodent-proof containers.
- Wear lengthy pants tucked into boot tops to cut back publicity to fleas. Apply insect repellent to socks and trouser cuffs to assist scale back publicity to fleas.
