Bubonic Plague Confirmed in Oregon: Is the Disease Spreading in the U.S.?
In a shocking turn of events, a case of bubonic plague has been confirmed in Oregon, leaving many people concerned about the potential spread of the disease within the United States. Health officials in the state have revealed that the infected individual contracted the disease from a pet cat. This marks the first case of bubonic plague in Oregon since 2015. In light of this alarming development, experts have shared important information about the infectious disease, including how to recognize symptoms, seek treatment, and prevent infection.
Understanding Bubonic Plague
Bubonic plague is caused by a bacterium called Yersinia pestis. According to Timothy Brewer, a professor of medicine and epidemiology at UCLA, the bacterium was likely introduced to North America around 1900 through rats on ships from South Asia. Since then, it has become endemic in ground squirrels and rodents in the rural Southwestern United States. The disease is most commonly found in the “Four Corners” area of the Southwest, which includes parts of Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico. Cases are predominantly reported between late spring and early fall.
Although the recent case in Oregon is rare, it is important to note that plague is endemic to the western part of the United States. Pets can be exposed to the disease through contact with rodents or other animals. However, experts assure the general public that there is no need for excessive worry.
Recognizing Symptoms and Preventing Infection
The initial symptoms of bubonic plague include fever, chills, headache, weakness, and painful and swollen lymph nodes. While the disease can affect individuals of all ages, half of the reported cases involve patients between the ages of 12 and 45, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Yersinia pestis is usually transmitted through three main routes: being bitten by an infected flea, handling an infected animal, or breathing in dust contaminated by dried rodent urine or feces. In plague-endemic areas, individuals should be cautious about their dogs encountering animals that may carry the disease, such as prairie dogs.
Symptoms typically develop within two to eight days after exposure to the bacterium. The formation of painful and swollen lymph nodes, known as buboes, is a characteristic sign of the disease. Immediate medical treatment is crucial for anyone experiencing these symptoms after exposure to an animal, particularly rodents or fleas.
While bubonic plague is a serious infectious illness on its own, it can quickly progress into more severe and deadly forms, such as pneumonic and septicemic plague. Pneumonic plague affects the lungs and can lead to respiratory failure, shock, and death. Septicemic plague results in shock and often proves fatal.
Treatment and Prevention
If left untreated, bubonic plague can be life-threatening. However, with timely diagnosis, it can be effectively treated with antibiotics like gentamicin or fluoroquinolones. The CDC recommends starting antibiotic treatment within 24 hours of symptom onset for patients with pneumonic plague.
To prevent infection, individuals should avoid contact with rodents in rural and semi-rural dry areas of the western U.S. It is essential to exercise caution when cleaning out rodent nests or engaging in activities that may stir up contaminated dust. For those residing in plague-endemic areas, keeping dogs leashed in the presence of other animals, such as prairie dogs, can help prevent transmission.
Cats should be kept indoors to prevent them from coming into contact with infected fleas. Additionally, flea medications should be used for both cats and dogs. While bubonic plague is a dramatic but rare disease, using common sense and taking precautions to avoid rodents can significantly reduce the risk for most individuals.
In conclusion, the recent case of bubonic plague in Oregon has raised concerns about the potential spread of the disease in the United States. However, experts emphasize that the general public need not panic. By understanding the symptoms, seeking prompt medical treatment, and taking preventive measures, individuals can protect themselves and their pets from this infectious disease. While bubonic plague remains a serious concern, it is essential to remember that there are other bacteria and viruses that pose a higher risk of infection. Awareness and caution are key in preventing the spread of this rare but potentially deadly disease.
For more health-related articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health. Melissa Rudy is the health editor and a member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital. She can be reached at melissa.rudy@fox.com for story tips.
