Bend, Oregon – The health officials in Deschutes County, Oregon, have confirmed the first case of plague in around eight years. The infected individual is suspected to have contracted the disease from their symptomatic pet cat, marking the return of this rare illness to the state.
The infected resident and their pet have already been provided medication to prevent the spread of the disease. According to Dr. Richard Fawcett, the health officer of Deschutes County, the infected cat was very sick, indicating a substantial infection. Fortunately, the patient responded well to antibiotic treatment, suggesting that the case posed little risk to the community.
It is reported that the plague was identified and treated in the early stages, preventing further spread. However, the disease had already progressed to the bloodstream by the time the patient was hospitalized. The officials are yet to provide detailed information on the case, although no further cases have been reported during the investigation.
The plague is typically carried by animals such as squirrels, chipmunks, and rodents, but it is unusual for pet cats to be infected. The last case of the plague in Oregon was reported in 2015 when a teenage girl contracted the disease after a flea bite during a hunting trip.
The plague, caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, spreads through contact with infected animals or fleas. Symptoms in humans include fever, nausea, weakness, and swollen lymph nodes. Health officials advise residents to avoid contact with rodents, keep pets on leashes, and take precautions to prevent flea bites.
Authorities have recommended consulting a veterinarian if a pet cat shows signs of illness after contact with rodents. They have also advised keeping wild rodents out of homes and ensuring that food and refuse are stored in rodent-proof containers to reduce exposure to fleas.
The return of the plague in Oregon is a rare occurrence that prompts vigilance and awareness in the local community as they work to prevent further spread of the disease.