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It is the first case reported in Oregon in almost a decade; Detected early, ‘little risk to the community’
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Deschutes County Health Services said Wednesday it confirmed a rare case of human plague in a local resident, the first in Oregon in nearly a decade. They said the individual was likely infected by his symptomatic cat.
“All close contacts of the resident and their pet have been contacted and provided medications to prevent illness,” said Deschutes County Health Officer Dr. Richard Fawcett.
Plague symptoms usually begin in humans two to eight days after exposure to an infected animal or flea. These symptoms may include sudden fever, nausea, weakness, chills, muscle aches, and/or visibly swollen lymph nodes called buboes.
If not diagnosed early, bubonic plague can progress to septicemic plague (bloodstream infection) and/or pneumonic plague (lung infection). These forms of plague are more serious and difficult to treat.
Fortunately, health officials say this case was identified and treated in the early stages of the disease, posing little risk to the community. During the investigation of communicable diseases, no further cases of plague have arisen.
According to the Oregon Health Authority, plague is rare in Oregon; the last case was reported in 2015. It is transmitted to humans or animals through the bite of an infected flea or by contact with an animal sick with the disease. The most common animals that transmit plague in Central Oregon are squirrels and chipmunks, but mice and other rodents can also transmit the disease.
Tips to prevent the spread of plague:
- Avoid all contact with rodents and their fleas. Never touch sick, injured or dead rodents.
- Keep your pets on a leash when outdoors and protect them with flea control products. Do not allow pets near sick or dead rodents or explore rodent burrows.
- Domestic cats are very susceptible to plague and infected cats can transmit the bacteria to humans. If possible, discourage hunting for rodents. Consult a veterinarian immediately if your cat becomes ill after contact with rodents.
- Residents should keep wild rodents out of homes and remove food, woodpiles, and other rodent attractants around homes and outbuildings.
- Do not camp, sleep or rest near animal burrows or areas where dead rodents are seen.
- Refrain from feeding squirrels, chipmunks, or other wild rodents at campgrounds and picnic areas. Store food and garbage in rodent-proof containers.
- Wear long pants tucked into boots to reduce exposure to fleas. Apply insect repellent to socks and pants cuffs to help reduce exposure to fleas.