First Case of Plague in Oregon in Eight Years Linked to Infected Pet Cat
Oregon has recently reported its first case of the plague in around eight years. Health officials have confirmed that a local resident was infected, and it is suspected that their pet cat transmitted the disease. The Deschutes County Health Services made the announcement, stating that all close contacts of the resident and their pet have been contacted and provided medication to prevent illness. Dr. Richard Fawcett, the county health officer, revealed that the cat was very sick and had a draining abscess, indicating a significant infection.
Fortunately, the human case was identified and treated in the early stages of the disease, posing little risk to the community. However, by the time the patient was hospitalized, the infection had progressed to the bloodstream. The patient responded well to antibiotic treatment, according to Dr. Fawcett. It is important to note that as the plague progresses, it becomes increasingly difficult to treat.
The investigation has not reported any further cases of the plague. Dr. Fawcett expressed his belief that there would not be any additional cases. The most common carriers of the plague in Central Oregon are squirrels and chipmunks, although mice and other rodents can also carry the disease.
This is the first case of the plague in Oregon since 2015 when a teenage girl contracted the disease. Authorities at the time believed she got infected from a flea bite during a hunting trip. She fell ill and recovered in the intensive care unit.
While non-human cases of the plague in cats have been reported in recent years, such as in Wyoming and Colorado, human illnesses have not been reported. However, in a different Colorado county, a resident’s death in 2023 was associated with a case of the plague.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported nine cases of the plague in 2020, with two deaths. From 1970 to 2020, a total of 496 plague cases were reported in the US, with an average of seven human cases per year.
The plague, caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, is often associated with the Black Death that devastated Europe in the 1300s. However, modern antibiotics have made it less population-devastating. The disease spreads through flea bites or contact with infected animals. Symptoms typically appear within two to eight days and may include fever, nausea, weakness, chills, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes.
While the US has seen a handful of cases, plague epidemics have occurred in Africa, Asia, and South America. Since the 1990s, most human cases have been reported in Africa.
Oregon authorities have advised residents to take precautions to prevent the spread of the plague. This includes avoiding contact with rodents and their fleas, keeping pets on a leash while outside, using flea control products on pets, and discouraging cats from hunting rodents. Residents are also urged to keep wild rodents out of their homes, avoid camping near animal burrows or dead rodents, refrain from feeding squirrels or chipmunks, and store food in rodent-proof containers. Additionally, wearing long pants tucked into boot tops and using insect repellent on socks and trouser cuffs can reduce exposure to fleas.
While the recent case of the plague in Oregon is concerning, prompt identification and treatment have minimized the risk to the community. By following the recommended precautions, residents can further protect themselves and their pets from this ancient but still present disease.
