Oregon bubonic plague case possible got here from pet cat, officers say
Well being officers in Central Oregon have confirmed a case of human bubonic plague and mentioned the person was possible contaminated by a home home cat.
The unidentified contaminated particular person lives in Deschutes County and marks the state’s first human case in simply over eight years, Deschutes County Well being Providers officers introduced in a information launch.
Deschutes County is slightly below 200 miles southeast of Portland, the state’s largest metropolis.
“All shut contacts of the resident and their pet have been contacted and supplied treatment to forestall sickness,” Deschutes County Well being Providers Officer Dr. Richard Fawcett wrote the announcement launched Wednesday.
The illness is unfold by means of the air and contaminated meals and the person was possible contaminated by a pet cat that had developed signs, officers mentioned.
This case was recognized and the particular person was handled by docs whereas “within the earlier levels of the illness, posing little danger to the neighborhood,” officers mentioned.
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1 confirmed case reported
As of final week, no different instances of plague had been reported, the division mentioned.
The final confirmed case of the plague within the state was reported in 2015, well being officers mentioned.
Bubonic plague signs
Signs of plague often start in people “two to eight days after publicity to an contaminated animal or flea,” the company wrote within the launch.
The signs embody sudden onset of fever, nausea, weak point, chills, muscle aches and visibly swollen lymph nodes.
If not recognized early, bubonic plague can result in a bloodstream an infection and a lung an infection, well being officers warned, that are troublesome to deal with and typically can result in demise.
Tricks to keep away from bubonic plague
The illness spreads to people or animals by means of a chew from an contaminated flea or by contact with a sick animal. The most typical animals to hold plague in Central Oregon are squirrels and chipmunks, however mice and different rodents also can carry the illness.
To stop the unfold of plague, well being consultants advocate the next suggestions:
- Keep away from contact with rodents and fleas.
- Preserve pets on a leash and use flea management merchandise.
- If attainable, discourage pet cats from looking rodents. In case your cat turns into sick after being in touch with rodents, name your vet.
- Don’t camp, sleep, or relaxation close to animal burrows or areas the place lifeless rodents are noticed.
- Don’t feed squirrels, chipmunks or different wild rodents.
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Attain her at nalund@usatoday.com and observe her on X @nataliealund.
