The Bubonic Plague, famously known as the “Black Death,” has made a comeback in Oregon, and this time it’s being carried by an unlikely culprit – a pet cat. State health officials have confirmed the first case of bubonic plague in nearly eight years, raising concerns about a potential resurgence of the deadly disease. However, experts assure us that there is no need to panic just yet.
Plague cases are not uncommon in the United States, with an average of seven cases reported each year between 1970 and 2020, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While the mention of bubonic plague may conjure up images of medieval cities and carts filled with the dead, modern medicine has come a long way since then. With the advent of antibiotics, the disease can be effectively treated if caught in its early stages.
The carriers of the plague have remained consistent throughout history, primarily rodents and other small woodland mammals. Squirrels, chipmunks, rats, cats, and prairie dogs are all known carriers of the disease. Cats, in particular, are highly susceptible to infection due to their hunting habits. Oregon state health officials advise cat owners to discourage their pets from hunting rodents and to seek immediate veterinary care if their cat becomes sick after coming into contact with rodents.
This recent case in Oregon is not an isolated incident. In 2021, seven counties in Colorado were put on high alert after a 10-year-old girl died from the plague. Health authorities suspected that fleas from hogs she raised may have transmitted the disease to her. Additionally, an entire prairie dog colony mysteriously disappeared around the same time, leading officials to believe that the plague had swept through the population and infected other animals through flea bites.
Prairie dogs serve as an early warning system for health officials in Colorado. When a colony goes silent, it is an indication that something is amiss, and testing for bubonic plague begins. The disease can be transmitted to humans through flea bites or direct contact with infected animals. Its symptoms, such as coughs, fevers, and swollen lymph nodes, are similar to those of the flu or even Covid-19.
In the United States, bubonic plague cases are most frequently reported in New Mexico, Arizona, and Colorado. However, globally, Africa experiences the highest number of plague cases each year, according to the CDC.
While the news of a bubonic plague case may sound alarming, it is essential to remember that modern medicine has the tools to combat the disease effectively. Prompt treatment with antibiotics can save lives and prevent the spread of the infection. Vigilance and awareness are crucial in areas where plague cases are more prevalent, and individuals should seek medical attention if they experience symptoms or come into contact with potentially infected animals.
So, for now, there is no need to dust off the lyrics to “Ring Around the Rosie” just yet. The bubonic plague may still make occasional appearances, but with modern medicine on our side, we can keep this ancient disease at bay.
