In central Oregon, health officials have reported a case of bubonic plague in a resident who is believed to have contracted the disease from a sick pet cat. The infected resident and all close contacts have been provided with medication and are currently being treated, ensuring the community is not at risk. Unfortunately, the cat did not survive despite receiving treatment.

Bubonic plague, caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis and typically carried by rodents and fleas, affects mammals, including humans and pets. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that sunlight and drying can kill plague bacteria on surfaces, and it can be treated with antibiotics in both humans and pets suspected of being infected.

Symptoms of bubonic plague include fever, headache, weakness, and swollen lymph nodes. It is usually transmitted through the bite of an infected flea. If left untreated, bubonic plague can progress to septicemic plague, where the bacteria enters the bloodstream, causing similar symptoms, along with abdominal pain, shock, and potential bleeding into the skin. Another form, pneumonic plague, is the most serious and affects the lungs, adding rapidly developing pneumonia to the list of symptoms. It is the only form of plague that can be spread from person to person through inhalation of infectious droplets.

Thankfully, all forms of the plague are treatable with common antibiotics. Early treatment significantly increases the chances of a full recovery, according to the CDC. In the United States, an average of seven human cases of plague are reported each year, with about 80% being the bubonic form. Most cases occur in rural areas of the western and southwestern U.S.

This recent case in Oregon serves as a reminder of the ongoing presence of plague in the western United States. Similar cases have occurred in the past, such as a welder in central Oregon who contracted the disease in 2012 after interacting with a rodent while saving his cat from choking. While he survived, he lost his fingertips and toes. In 2015, a teen in Colorado contracted a fatal case while hunting, and at least two cases were confirmed in Colorado last year, one of which was fatal.

Globally, most cases of plague have occurred in rural African towns and villages, particularly in Madagascar and Congo. The Cleveland Clinic reports that ground squirrels, chipmunks, and wood rats can also carry the disease, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a rodent-free environment by clearing brush and junk piles and ensuring pet food is inaccessible. Repellents containing DEET can offer protection against rodent fleas during outdoor activities, and flea control products can help prevent pets from becoming infected.

The history of the plague dates back centuries, with the most infamous epidemic being the Black Death in the 14th century. It spread through Europe, the Middle East, and northern Africa, claiming the lives of up to half the population. Various major plague pandemics followed, including the Justinian plague in the 6th century, originating in Rome, and the third major pandemic that emerged in China in the mid-1800s and eventually reached every continent, causing the death of millions.

However, significant progress has been made in treating the plague. In the late 1800s, an antiserum proved effective, and later, antibiotics became the go-to treatment. Although the plague remains a serious illness, timely administration of antibiotics and supportive therapy can effectively combat even the most dangerous pneumonic form, as stated by the World Health Organization.

As the local community in central Oregon and individuals in plague-prone areas continue to be vigilant and take necessary precautions, health officials are emphasizing the importance of early detection and treatment to ensure the well-being and recovery of those affected.