Oregon officials are working diligently to contain an outbreak of bubonic plague in the state, marking the first case since 2015. The infected individual, who remains unidentified, is believed to have contracted the disease from their symptomatic cat. Dr. Richard Fawcett, the Deschutes County health officer, assured the public that all close contacts of the resident and their pet have been contacted and provided with medication to prevent illness.
Fortunately, the case was identified and treated in the early stages of the disease, minimizing the risk to the community. As of now, no additional cases of plague have emerged during the ongoing communicable disease investigation. This recent incident follows a previous case in 2015 when a 16-year-old was infected after being bitten by an infected flea during a hunting trip near Heppner, Morrow County. In the past two decades, there have been a total of eight cases in Oregon, none of which resulted in fatalities.
One notable case occurred in 2012 when an Oregon man lost his fingers and toes to the plague. He contracted the disease from his cat while attempting to remove a mouse from its throat. The bubonic plague is caused by a bacterial infection that is carried by squirrels, chipmunks, and other wild rodents and their fleas. When an infected rodent becomes sick and dies, its fleas can transmit the infection to other animals or humans through bites.
Early detection is crucial as the disease can be treated with antibiotics if caught in its initial stages. However, if left untreated, it can be fatal. Symptoms of bubonic plague include high fever, lethargy, and swollen lymph nodes. Unfortunately, there is currently no vaccine available for this disease.
To prevent infection, officials recommend avoiding any contact with wild rodents, particularly sick or dead ones. It is also advised to refrain from feeding squirrels or chipmunks. Pet owners should take precautions to keep their pets away from wild rodents to minimize the risk of infection.
The recent outbreak serves as a reminder of the importance of public health measures and swift action in containing infectious diseases. Oregon officials are working diligently to prevent the spread of the bubonic plague and protect the well-being of their residents. By taking necessary precautions and following the guidelines provided, individuals can play a crucial role in preventing further cases and ensuring the safety of their communities.
