WASHINGTON, Feb 13, (Agencies): On Feb 7, Deschutes County Health Services confirmed the first documented case of bubonic plague in a human in Oregon in nearly a decade. The transmission of the plague is suspected to have occurred through the patient's pet cat.

Dr Richard Fawcett, a health officer for Deschutes County, disclosed that the cat exhibited severe illness with a draining abscess, indicating a significant infection. Close contacts of the patient and the pet have been identified and provided with preventive medication, as stated in the health services' release.

Symptoms of the plague, including swollen lymph nodes, fever, nausea, weakness, chills, and muscle aches, typically manifest within two to eight days of exposure. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of the Oregon patient have diminished the likelihood of further cases in the region, according to the county's health services.

Dr Fawcett reported that the patient responded positively to antibiotic treatment. Although the plague is less lethal in the modern era due to antibiotics, its severity increases if left untreated.

Transmission of the plague commonly occurs through flea bites or contact with infected animals, particularly mice, squirrels, chipmunks, and other rodents. The county advises minimizing contact with rodents and fleas, discouraging pet cats from hunting rodents, and taking precautions such as using leashes for outdoor pets, administering flea treatments, and seeking veterinary care for pets in contact with dead rodents.

Preventative measures include avoiding the feeding of squirrels and chipmunks, refraining from close contact with wild rodents, and employing measures to prevent flea bites during outdoor activities.

According to the CDC, approximately seven cases of bubonic plague are reported annually in the United States, with the majority originating in specific regions such as northern New Mexico, northern Arizona, southern Colorado, California, southern Oregon, and far western Nevada.