News
Published
Feb. 9, 2024, 10:02 p.m. ET
An Oregonian got here down with the bubonic plague for the primary time in almost a decade — and was doubtless contaminated by their cat.
The “local resident” of Deschutes County — a rural a part of central Oregon — is believed to be the one person contaminated, well being officers introduced Wednesday.
Other than the symptomatic pet, that’s.
“All close contacts of the resident and their pet have been contacted and provided medication to prevent illness,” Deschutes County Health Officer Dr. Richard Fawcett stated in a press release.
The person and their cat’s circumstances usually are not but recognized, however officers stated the case was recognized and handled early, posing little danger to the group.
The bubonic plague — well-known for ravaging Europe within the 14th century — is carried by squirrels, chipmunks and different wild rodents and their fleas. When an contaminated rodent turns into sick and dies, its fleas can carry the an infection to different animals or people by means of bites.
Those contaminated come down with excessive fever, lethargy and swollen lymph nodes referred to as buboes. Symptoms come up between two to eight days after publicity.
While there isn’t any vaccine, the plague is treatable with antibiotics if caught early. It may be deadly if left untreated.
The confirmed case is the primary to hit the state since 2015, when a teenage lady contracted the illness from a flea chew throughout a looking journey.
There have solely been 9 human instances of the plague in Oregon since 1995, with no reported deaths.
Contracting the bubonic plague is extraordinarily uncommon within the US, with a mean of 5 to fifteen instances occurring annually within the West, in keeping with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The illness is usually present in rural to semi-rural areas the place wild rodents are extra widespread.
Officials advocate folks keep away from any contact with wild rodents, particularly sick or lifeless ones, and will by no means feed squirrels or chipmunks. People must also hold their pets away from wild rodents to keep away from an infection.
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