The bubonic plague, a disease that may seem like a relic of the past, has made a surprising comeback in the state of Oregon. This marks the first case in the state in eight years, and health officials believe that a domestic cat is to blame for the transmission of the disease. The infected patient, who also showed symptoms, became severely ill, highlighting the potential dangers of this ancient illness.
Typically, an infection of the bubonic plague starts with flu-like symptoms such as fatigue, fever, chills, and a headache. However, in this recent case, the infection had progressed to a rare outcome known as a “bubo,” which is a draining abscess. This progression is unusual in modern times, as advancements in antibiotics have made the bubonic plague far less fatal if caught and treated early enough.
Fortunately, the patient in Oregon is responding well to modern medicine, and close contacts have also been treated to prevent further spread. The exact method of transmission from the cat to the owner has not been determined by officials. It is possible that the cat was bitten by infected fleas, which then spread to the owner. Alternatively, the owner may have come into contact with the cat’s contaminated fluids.
Yersinia pestis, the bacterium responsible for the bubonic plague, typically infects small mammals and fleas. Depending on how it spreads to humans, either through bites, contaminated fluids, or droplets in the air, it can cause bubonic plague or a blood- or lung-based plague. Bubonic plague is the most common form and affects the lymphatic system, causing swollen and painful lymph nodes that can progress to open, pus-filled sores. If left untreated, the infection can spread to the lungs.
The bubonic plague was first identified in the United States in the early 20th century when it was brought to the nation via rats on ships. The last urban plague epidemic in the country ended in 1925, but the bacteria found refuge in rural rodent species, leading to periodic outbreaks outside major cities. Currently, most cases in the US occur in rural areas of the Midwest and Northwest, with an average of seven cases reported each year.
The previous case of the bubonic plague in Oregon occurred in 2015 when a girl was infected during a hunting trip and required intensive care. However, no deaths have been reported in the state from the plague in decades.
While the bubonic plague is still present on every continent except Oceania, it primarily affects regions with resident animal reservoirs and overlapping human populations. Countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Madagascar, and Peru regularly experience outbreaks of the disease, which can claim hundreds of lives during particularly severe episodes.
Although the bubonic plague is not the international killer it once was, it still garners attention due to its historical infamy. Even a single case in the US can make headlines, highlighting the importance of swift and effective treatment to halt the spread of the contagion. With modern medicine and increased awareness, health officials are hopeful that they can continue to contain and treat cases of the bubonic plague, preventing it from becoming a widespread threat once again.
