Bend, Oregon – Health officials in Deschutes County, Oregon have confirmed a rare case of bubonic plague in a local resident. The individual is believed to have been infected by their pet cat, marking the first instance of the plague in Oregon since 2015. The case has prompted concerns about the spread of the disease and its potential impact on the community.

According to Dr. Richard Fawcett, health officer for Deschutes County, the infected resident and their pet cat’s close contacts have been contacted and provided with medication to prevent illness. The early identification and treatment of the case have minimized the risk to the community. Health officials emphasized the need for residents to avoid contact with rodents and their fleas, as well as to refrain from touching sick or dead rodents to prevent the spread of the plague.

The bubonic plague can be transmitted to humans or animals through a bite from an infected flea or by contact with a diseased animal. Symptoms typically appear two to eight days after exposure and may include fever, nausea, weakness, chills, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes. Despite its seriousness, the plague is treatable with antibiotics if diagnosed and addressed promptly.

Historically, the bubonic plague has been a deadly disease, but with modern antibiotics, the risk of mortality has significantly decreased. The disease’s introduction to the United States in 1900 and its prevalence in the western U.S. region have raised concerns about the potential for future cases and the importance of preventative measures. In recent years, cases of the plague in California and Oregon underscore the need for vigilance in areas where the disease is most common.

Public awareness and education about the transmission of the bubonic plague remain critical in preventing future outbreaks and ensuring the prompt treatment of any cases that may arise. Despite its historical association with devastating pandemics, modern medicine has provided effective methods for managing and containing the disease, underscoring the importance of prompt medical attention and proactive preventative measures.