Rare case of human plague confirmed in Oregon resident infected by pet cat

A rare case of human plague has been confirmed in Deschutes County, Oregon, marking the first reported case in the state since 2015. The local resident was likely infected by their pet cat, which showed symptoms of the disease. 

Health officials have taken immediate action to prevent the spread of the illness, providing medication to all close contacts of the resident and their pet.

Containment efforts

Deschutes County Health Officer, Dr. Richard Fawcett, stated that all close contacts of the resident and their pet have been contacted and provided with medication to prevent illness. Fortunately, no additional plague cases have emerged during the investigation in the mostly rural county in central Oregon. Health officials emphasized that the early identification and treatment of the case pose little risk to the community.

Historical context

While the bubonic plague may sound like a relic of history, this recent case in Oregon is not an isolated incident. In 2020, California reported its first case of plague in five years, where the patient, a resident of the South Lake Tahoe area, was reported to be recovering. Additionally, two fatal cases were reported in Colorado in 2015.

Plague overview

Plague is caused by Yersinia pestis, a bacterium found in rodents and their fleas. Although the bacterial infection is rare in modern times, it can still be treated. There are three types of plague: septicemic, pneumonic, and bubonic, with the latter being the most common form, accounting for approximately 80% of cases in the United States.

Transmission and symptoms

Humans typically contract the plague after being bitten by an infected flea or handling an infected animal. Various animals, including rodents, squirrels, mice, prairie dogs, chipmunks, voles, and rabbits, can carry the disease. 

Additionally, cats and dogs can also lead to human infections. Symptoms usually occur two to eight days after exposure and vary depending on the type of plague, with bubonic plague causing swollen lymph nodes, septicemic plague leading to fever and internal bleeding, and pneumonic plague affecting the lungs and causing respiratory symptoms.

Treatment and prevention

Plague can be successfully treated with antibiotics, particularly when administered early. To prevent contracting the disease, it's important to keep pets free from fleas and limit their contact with potentially infected rodents. Other preventive measures include reducing rodent habitats, using insect repellent, and wearing gloves when handling potentially infected animals.

Expert insight

Dr. Céline Gounder, a CBS News medical contributor, emphasizes the importance of protecting pets from fleas and preventing them from roaming freely, particularly in endemic areas. Furthermore, she advises against allowing outdoor pets to sleep in the same bed. These measures, along with the use of insect repellent and wearing gloves when handling animals, can significantly reduce the risk of exposure to the plague.