Case of bubonic plague discovered by health officials in Oregon
BEND, Ore. (KPTV/Gray News) - Health officials in Oregon revealed that the first human case of the plague in Oregon in over eight years occurred in a resident of rural Deschutes County.
The Deschutes County Health Services said the person was most likely infected by their pet cat, who had displayed symptoms.
Officials said the most common way for humans to contract the plague is through flea bites that contain it. Pets kept in the home can also contract the disease if they chase rats infected with it.
After they contact the plague, pets can pass it onto their owners through bodily fluids or tissue, like from respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing. Pets can also bring home fleas infected with plague which can then bite people.
The plague is far less common in dogs, but not impossible, according to officials.
The Deschutes County Health Services said all close contacts of the infected resident and their pet have been provided with medication to prevent illness.
Officials said there was little risk to the wider community because the case was identified and treated in the early stages of the disease.
No additional cases have emerged during the investigation.
Officials said the bubonic plague can progress into the more severe and difficult to treat septicemic plague, which is infection of the bloodstream, if it is not diagnosed early. It can also progress to pneumonic plague, or infection of the lung.
The last case of human plague in Oregon was reported in 2015, according to Oregon Health Authority.
Within two to eight days of exposure, humans often start to show signs of the plague. These include a quick onset of fever, nausea, weakness, chills, muscle aches, and observably swollen lymph nodes, known as “buboes,” are among the possible symptoms.
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