Rare Human Case Of Bubonic Plague In Oregon: A Wake-Up Call For Vigilance

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Rare Human Case of Bubonic Plague in Oregon: A Wake-Up Call for Vigilance

12th Feb 2024 by Admin 205

Learn about Oregon’s first human case of bubonic plague in eight years, likely transmitted from a pet cat. Discover the symptoms, treatment, and historical context of this ancient disease. Stay informed and vigilant against microbial threats.

The bubonic plague might sound like an affliction of the past, but the bacterium behind the disease is still out there, causing thousands of human infections worldwide year after year, although cases in the US are relatively rare. Recently, the state of Oregon confirmed its first case in eight years, and officials believe it probably came from a domestic cat, which also exhibited symptoms.

The Case in Oregon

Oregon health officer Richard Fawcett told Aria Bendix at NBC News that the patient who contracted the plague from their pet became “very sick.” Usually, an infection of this kind starts with flu-like symptoms, including fatigue, fever, chills, and a headache. However, the recent infection in Oregon had progressed to the point of a draining abscess, called a “bubo,” which is a rare outcome nowadays. Thankfully, modern antibiotics mean that the bubonic plague no longer has to be a death sentence. The bacterium behind the infection, Yersinia pestis, rarely proves fatal if caught and treated early enough. The patient in Oregon is apparently responding well to modern medicine, and their close contacts have also been treated to curb the possibility of further spread.

How the Infection Spreads

Officials have not specified how the infection spread from the cat to the owner. However, there are two likely scenarios:

Infected Fleas: If the cat was bitten by infected fleas, it might have brought the fleas home, exposing the owner.
Contaminated Fluids: Alternatively, the owner may have been in contact with the cat’s own contaminated fluids.

Y. pestis usually infects small mammals and fleas. Depending on how it spreads to humans—either through bites, contaminated fluids, or droplets in the air—it can cause bubonic plague or a blood- or lung-based plague. Bubonic plague is the most common form and involves the lymphatic system, causing swollen and painful lymph nodes that can advance to open, pus-filled sores. If the infection spreads, it can later infect the lungs as well. The patient in Oregon apparently began coughing in the hospital, which is a sign that their disease may have been progressing to a dangerous stage.

Historical Context

The plague was first identified in the US in the early 20th century, brought to the nation via rats on ships. The last urban plague epidemic in the country ended in 1925, but the bacteria took refuge in rural rodent species, causing periodic outbreaks outside major cities. Today, most cases in the US occur in rural areas of the Midwest and Northwest, with about seven cases reported on average each year. The last time a case was reported in Oregon was back in 2015 when a girl was infected during a hunting trip and ended up in intensive care. Fortunately, no deaths have been reported in the state from the plague in decades.

Global Impact

Outside of the US, the plague is present on every continent except Oceania. The places where the disease regularly occurs are those with resident animal reservoirs and overlapping human populations, such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Madagascar, and Peru. Vigilance and early treatment remain crucial in managing this ancient yet persistent threat to human health.

In conclusion, while the bubonic plague may no longer be the scourge it once was, it remains a reminder that infectious diseases can still emerge unexpectedly. Oregon’s recent case serves as a wake-up call for continued surveillance and preparedness in the face of microbial adversaries.

Remember, knowledge and awareness are our best defenses against such ancient foes.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.