United States: Bubonic Plague has now become a concern for the health authorities as the state has reported its first-ever case of the plague since 2015. According to the health authorities, a resident of Oregon tested positive for the infection last week.
While sharing the details about the first-ever case, the Health Services of Deschutes County outlined that the infection reportedly spread from the infected resident’s symptomatic pet cat. The details were shared by the health agency through a news release on Wednesday, February 7, 2024.
The news release also quoted the Deschutes County health officer – Dr Richard Fawcett. According to him, “All close contacts of the resident and their pet have been contacted and provided medication to prevent illness,” according to the reports by Fox News.
However, various reports have outlined that the health authority does not reveal the identity of the patient.
What does the investigation reveal?
The health experts have emphasized that, as of now, there is little threat to the community. They further mentioned that the disease is treatable if detected in the earlier stages.
The authorities, working to survey the spread of the infection following the first case was reported, have outlined that no additional cases of the communicable plague have been registered.
Bubonic Plague!
The experts have outlined that if the infection is not treated at an early stage or is misdiagnosed, then it could convert into the more severe and difficult-to-treat infections – septicemic plague, which is a bloodstream infection, and/ or pneumonic plague, which is a severe lung infection.
It’s history in Oregon!
According to the stats shared by the Oregon Health Authority, the state registered the last case linked to human plague, which was reported back in 2015.
Symptoms of Bubonic Plague!
The health officials have underlined that generally, an infected human starts showing symptoms of the plague within two to eight days of exposure. Some of the common symptoms of the infection are listed below:
- Sudden fever,
- Weakness,
- Chills,
- Nausea,
- Muscle aches.
Along with this, an infected person will also experience swollen lymph nodes called buboes.
What could be a possible cause of plague?
The most common mode of getting infected with the plague is through bites or contact with infected fleas or animals, according to Fox News.
While briefing about the health condition, the health officials of Central Oregon said the most common disease-carrying animals are squirrels and chipmunks. In addition to this, mice and other rodents might also carry the infection.
What precautions the general public should follow?
The officials have mentioned that the general public must avoid contact with their pets and rodents and fleas, including sick, injured, or dead rodents.