Bubonic Plague Returns in Oregon, Possibly Spread by Cats
Oregon Reports First Case of Bubonic Plague Since 2015
OAN’s Brooke Mallory
4:27 PM – Tuesday, February 13, 2024
The bubonic plague, a rare bacterial infection infamous for its devastating impact during the Middle Ages, has resurfaced in Deschutes County, Oregon, marking the first verified case since 2015.
According to Deschutes County health officer, Dr. Richard Fawcett, the infected individual most likely contracted the disease from their cat. He reassured the public that all close contacts of the resident and their pet have been contacted and provided with medication to prevent further illness. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend common antibiotics as the first-line therapy for plague, such as gentamicin and fluoroquinolones.
The affected individual received treatment in the early stages of the disease and is now considered to pose little risk to the public.
However, this case raises concerns about the potential spread of the plague in modern times, given its historical reputation for causing widespread death and destruction in Europe.
Dr. Dan Barouch, director of the Center for Virology and Vaccine Research at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, explains, “The reason why it hasn’t been eliminated is because there’s an animal reservoir. The bacteria can infect animals, and because we can’t treat all animals in the wild, it persists in nature and thus occasionally causes a limited number of human cases.”
Barouch is not involved in the Oregon case.
According to the CDC, there are approximately seven human plague cases reported each year in the United States, mostly in remote Southwest and Northwest locations.
The bubonic plague is caused by the bacteria Yersinia pestis, which humans often contract through contact with diseased animals or flea bites. Symptoms typically appear two to eight days after exposure and include discomfort, swelling of the lymph nodes, fever, headache, chills, and weakness.
If left unidentified, the illness can progress to lung or bloodstream infections, posing greater challenges for treatment.
Fortunately, Dr. Harish Moorjani, an infectious disease specialist at Northwell Health, assures that the plague is easily recognized, diagnosed, and treated with antibiotics in the present era. He emphasizes the importance of seeking medical attention if symptoms consistent with the plague, such as fever, chills, and swollen lymph nodes, develop.
Moorjani advises individuals to take simple preventative measures to protect themselves and their pets, including maintaining a clean home to avoid contact with rodents and fleas, using effective flea medicine, and walking pets on leashes outdoors.
The World Health Organization (WHO) also recommends avoiding touching animal corpses and taking precautions against flea bites during outdoor activities.
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How is the bubonic plague primarily transmitted to humans and what preventive measures can individuals take to avoid contact with infected animals or fleas?
Title: Oregon Reports First Case of Bubonic Plague Since 2015
Introduction:
In a surprising turn of events, the bubonic plague, a deadly bacterial infection notorious for its devastating impact during the Middle Ages, has reemerged in Deschutes County, Oregon. This recent case marks the first verified instance of the disease since 2015. While the affected individual received prompt treatment and is considered to pose little risk to the public, the incident has raised concerns about the potential spread of this historical plague in modern times. In this article, we will explore the details of the case and address the precautions individuals should take to prevent further outbreaks.
Details of the Case:
According to Dr. Richard Fawcett, the health officer of Deschutes County, the infected individual likely contracted the disease from their pet cat. However, he reassured the public that all close contacts of the resident and their pet have been identified and provided with medication to prevent further illness. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend common antibiotics as the primary treatment for the bubonic plague, such as gentamicin and fluoroquinolones. Fortunately, the individual received timely treatment, and their condition is now stable.
Concerns and Insights:
The reemergence of bubonic plague in Oregon raises concerns about the potential for its spread in the modern era. Dr. Dan Barouch, director of the Center for Virology and Vaccine Research at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, explains that the persistence of the disease is attributed to an animal reservoir. The bacteria can infect animals, and since it is impossible to treat all animals in the wild, it continues to circulate and occasionally causes human cases. Although Dr. Barouch is not involved in the Oregon case, his insights shed light on the challenges in eradicating the disease entirely.
Statistics and Precautionary Measures:
According to the CDC, approximately seven human cases of the bubonic plague are reported each year in the United States, predominantly in remote Southwest and Northwest locations. The bacteria Yersinia pestis causes the bubonic plague, commonly contracted through contact with diseased animals or flea bites. Symptoms usually manifest two to eight days after exposure and include discomfort, swollen lymph nodes, fever, headache, chills, and weakness.
Dr. Harish Moorjani, an infectious disease specialist at Northwell Health, eases concerns by affirming that the plague is easily recognized, diagnosed, and treated with antibiotics in today’s era. He emphasizes the importance of seeking medical attention if symptoms consistent with the plague, such as fever, chills, and swollen lymph nodes, develop. Additionally, Moorjani advises individuals to take preventive measures, including maintaining a clean home to avoid contact with rats and fleas.
Conclusion:
While the recent bubonic plague case in Oregon is cause for concern, prompt identification and treatment have mitigated the risk to the public. Nevertheless, it serves as a reminder of the continuing presence of this historical disease and the importance of public health measures and awareness. By staying informed and taking necessary precautions, individuals can reduce the likelihood of contracting and spreading the bubonic plague in modern times.
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