Authorities in Oregon, United States, reported that they are dealing with an unusual case of bubonic plague in a human, who was probably infected from a domestic cat. Although there is treatment for this rare disease in developed countries today, it continues to be potentially dangerous.
The identity of the patient, who resides in Dechutes County, was not released, but officials reported that the person was under treatment and that his pet most likely infected him.
"We contacted all people close to the resident and his pet and received preventive medications to avoid the disease," said Dr. Richard Fawcett, Deschutes County health officer in statements cited by the AFP agency .
About seven cases of human plague are reported each year in the United States, primarily in rural areas of the Southwest and Northwest, according to the CDC.
Plague is caused by the bacteria Yersinia pestis .
Humans usually contract it after the bite of a flea carrying the bacteria or after encountering an infected animal. Symptoms usually appear two to eight days after exposure and include pain, swollen lymph nodes, fever, headache, chills, and weakness.
If not diagnosed in time, it can progress and worsen to septicemic plague, a bloodstream infection, or pulmonary plague, which affects the lungs.
"Fortunately, this case was identified and treated in the early stages of the disease, posing little risk to the community," said a statement from the Oregon Department of Health, adding that "no additional cases of plague have appeared during the communicable disease investigation." "and that the last case reported in that territory dates back to 2015.
The “Black Death,” the name by which the bubonic plague pandemic was known, devastated Europe in the 14th century and killed 50 million people.
