A case of bubonic plague has been reported in rural Deschutes County, Oregon, after a pet owner contracted the disease from their cat. The bubonic plague, which caused the Black Death in medieval Europe, is a rare but potentially deadly illness that has resurfaced in the United States. Local health officials assure that the case was identified and treated early, posing little risk to the community.
The infected person is believed to have caught the plague from their pet, which was showing symptoms of the disease. Deschutes County Health Officer, Dr. Richard Fawcett, stated that all close contacts of the resident and their pet have been contacted and provided medication to prevent illness.
The bubonic plague is usually found in the area, being carried by squirrels, chipmunks, mice, and other rodents. Symptoms of the plague usually begin two to eight days after exposure to an infected animal or flea and may include fever, nausea, weakness, chills, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes, giving the disease its name.
This is the first reported case of the bubonic plague in Oregon since 2015. The disease, once responsible for killing millions of people and devastating Europe, has become much rarer in modern times. However, it is important to note that it can still be contracted from infected animals. Fortunately, in this case, the disease was identified and treated early, minimizing the risk to the community.
Health officials continue to monitor the situation and urge the public to be vigilant, especially in areas where the plague is known to be carried by rodents. It is vital for pet owners to seek immediate medical attention if their pets show any symptoms of the disease, and to take precautions to prevent the spread of the illness. Despite this isolated case, the overall risk to the community is considered low, and there have been no additional reported cases of plague stemming from this incident.