A case of human plague in a Deschutes County resident in Oregon has been confirmed by local officials, indicating the state’s first human infection since 2015. The person is suspected to have contracted the disease from a pet cat that has been symptomatic, according to a report by the county.
“All close contacts of the resident and their pet have been contacted and provided medication to prevent illness,” says Dr. Richard Fawcett, Deschutes County health officer. The county has confirmed the case was identified and treated in its earlier stages, posing little risk to the community. To date, no additional cases have been reported.
Plague affects humans and other mammals, and is caused by the bacterium, Yersinia pestis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), humans commonly contract the disease after being bitten by a rodent flea carrying the plague bacterium or by handling an infected animal. The CDC adds, “cats are highly susceptible to plague and are a common source” of the bacterium infection in humans.
The plague is diagnosed through a blood test and is treated with antibiotics.
“Nowadays, we can use flea treatment for animals. We have antibiotics to treat them [animals] with,” says Dr. Emilio Debess, State Public Health veterinarian, in an interview with NewsChannel 21. “A huge success rate…for humans it’s the same thing. We have antibiotics that will treat individuals and prevent an infection right away,” Dr. Debess adds, reiterating the importance of preventive care to avoid exposure to the disease.
Symptoms of plague, which may include a sudden onset of fever, nausea, weakness, chills, and muscle aches, usually begin in humans two to eight days after exposure to an infected animal or flea. If not diagnosed early, the disease can progress to septicemic plague (bloodstream infection) and/or pneumonic plague (lung infection), which are more severe and difficult to treat.
To help avoid the spread of the plague, the CDC recommends veterinary professionals to disseminate prevention messages to pet owners, including:
- All ill animals, especially cats, should be seen by a veterinarian.
- If you live in areas where plague occurs, treat pet dogs and cats for flea control regularly and do not allow these animals to roam freely.
- Eliminate sources of food and nesting places for rodents around homes, workplaces, and recreation areas; remove brush, rock piles, junk, cluttered firewood, and potential food supplies, such as pet and wild animal food. Make your home rodent-proof.
- Pet owners should be encouraged to not pick up or touch dead animals.
To date, no additional cases have been reported.