Oregon Bubonic Plague: First Human Case of Deadly Disease in Years Likely Came from Pet Cat: Health Officials Say

The first human case of the bubonic plague in Oregon in years has been reported earlier in February, as confirmed by local health officials last week. The unnamed individual who contracted the infectious disease lives in Deschutes County, marking the state's first human bubonic plague case after more than eight years.

Oregon officials also assessed that the Deschutes resident likely got infected by a pet cat.

Deschutes County is located under 200 miles southeast of Portland, Oregon's largest city. Although health officials confirmed the resurgence of the bacteria-borne disease, there are no other individuals in the state reported to be infected as of Tuesday, February 13.

However, health experts are vigilant, warning the public that there are ways to prevent the spread of the plague, including avoiding contact with fleas and rodents.

The bubonic plague disease is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), zoonotic bacteria can infect small mammals like rodents and other animals. Human infections typically occur after being bitten by a flea carrying the bacteria.

The deadliest outbreak of the disease occurred in Europe during the 14th century, in an event known as the "Black Death."

Oregon Bubonic Plague

The first human case of the Oregon bubonic plague occurred after the last confirmed case of the plague in the state was recorded back in 2015. During a news release on February 7, the Deschutes County Health Services confirmed the resurgence of the plague through an unidentified local resident and stated that the individuals likely got infected by their family's symptomatic domestic household cat.

According to Deschutes County Health Officer, Dr. Richard Fawcett, they have contacted and provided medication to "all close contacts of the resident and their pet" to prevent further spread of the illness. This means that all persons that the infected individual who had made physical contact with will be required to report in for potential isolation and treatment against the plague, which is life-threatening when left untreated.

Also Read: Black Death: Bubonic Plague Pandemic May Not Have Been Spread by Rats [Study]

Bubonic Plague Symptoms and Transmission

Aside from being bitten by a plage-infected flea, a person can also be infected after making contact with an animal sick with the disease. The local health service cited a statement from the Oregon Health Authority that bubonic plague is rare in Oregon, adding that the most common animals to carry the infectious plague in Central Oregon are the following:

Squirrels
Chipmunks
Mice and other rodents

Bubonic plague symptoms are based on the bacteria's incubation period ranging between 2 to 8 days, a time when infected patients can develop fever, chills, headache, and weakness. The most evident symptom of the plague is having one or more swollen, painful lymph nodes called "buboes," according to the CDC. If a patient is not treated, the plague bacteria will multiply once it enters the body, where it can spread to other areas.