Health Officials Confirm Case of Bubonic Plague in the United States
Health officials in Oregon have confirmed a case of the bubonic plague in the state.
It is believed that the infected person contracted the plague through their infected and symptomatic cat.
“All close contacts of the resident and their pet have been contacted and provided medication to prevent illness,” said Dr. Richard Fawcett, Deschutes County Health Officer, in a press release.
Deschutes County explained that symptoms of the plague typically begin in humans “two to eight days after exposure to an infected animal or flea.”
Symptoms may include a sudden onset of fever, nausea, weakness, chills, muscle aches, and/or visibly swollen lymph nodes.
“If not diagnosed early, bubonic plague can progress to septicemic plague (bloodstream infection) and/or pneumonic plague (lung infection),” the county explained.
