Oregon's first case of human plague in 8 years likely came from a pet cat

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...cat-rcna138090

Oregon's first case of human plague in 8 years likely came from a pet cat
The owner’s infection likely started out in a lymph node and progressed to the bloodstream, a county health officer said.

Feb. 9, 2024, 4:46 PM EST
By Aria Bendix

Health officials announced this week that a resident of Deschutes County — a rural part of Oregon — was diagnosed with plague, marking the state's first human case in more than eight years. The person was likely infected by their pet cat, who had developed symptoms, according to Deschutes County Health Services...

[Mary Wilson]

News Release Issued: February 7, 2024

Deschutes County Health Services has confirmed a case of human plague in a local resident. The individual was likely infected by their symptomatic pet 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.

Symptoms of plague usually begin in humans two to eight days after exposure to an infected animal or flea. These symptoms may include a sudden onset of fever, nausea, weakness, chills, muscle aches, and/or visibly swollen lymph nodes called buboes. ...

Fortunately, this case was identified and treated in the earlier stages of the disease, posing little risk to the community. No additional cases of plague have emerged during the communicable disease investigation. ...

https://www.deschutes.org/health/page/deschutes-county-confirms-case-human-plague-local-resident