A Rare Case of Plague Found in Oregon: First in Nearly a Decade
In a surprising turn of events, a rare case of plague has been discovered in Oregon, marking the first occurrence of the bacterial disease within the state in almost ten years. Local health officials reported the case earlier this month, revealing that the victim has been hospitalized but is responding well to treatment.
Plague, caused by the rod-shaped bacteria Yersinia pestis, has a variety of ways to make humans sick depending on how it invades the body. When transmitted through contact with animals, typically through a flea that recently fed on an infected animal, the bacteria tend to travel to the lymph nodes and cause bubonic plague. Inhaling the bacteria into the lungs can lead to pneumonic plague, and in rare cases, it can reach the bloodstream, causing septicemic plague.
Once one of the deadliest infectious diseases, responsible for pandemics like the Black Death, plague is now much rarer and more easily managed with antibiotics. However, the bacteria still circulate among wildlife, particularly rodents, which means human infections can occasionally occur.
Deschutes County Health Services in Oregon reported this recent case, involving a resident in their 50s who was hospitalized as a result. It is believed that the person contracted the disease from their pet cat, which had recently become severely ill and developed an abscess that required draining. Cats are known to be vulnerable to plague, often contracting it from wild rodents or their fleas and then transmitting it to humans through bodily secretions or flea bites.
While it is suspected that the individual initially developed bubonic plague, the infection eventually spread to their bloodstream. The patient also experienced respiratory symptoms while hospitalized, raising concerns about potential pneumonic plague. Any form of plague can be life-threatening if left untreated, especially septicemic plague. Pneumonic plague, in particular, can be contagious from person to person and lead to widespread outbreaks if not contained swiftly.
Fortunately, the patient is responding well to treatment, according to Richard Fawcett, a health officer for Deschutes County. Currently, there is no risk of further transmission. As a precautionary measure, close contacts of the patient and the cat have been identified and provided with antibiotics to prevent illness.
This case is the first documented instance of plague in Oregon since 2015. On average, seven cases of plague are reported in the United States each year, with the majority originating from the Western and Southwestern regions of the country. However, some experts have warned that as the climate warms, diseases like plague could become more common.
While this recent case serves as a reminder of the ongoing presence of plague among wildlife, it also highlights the importance of prompt diagnosis and treatment. With the advancements in medical science and the availability of antibiotics, managing and containing cases of plague has become more feasible. Nonetheless, vigilance and awareness remain crucial in preventing the spread of this ancient disease.
