Title: First Case of Plague Reported in Oregon in Eight Years
In the newest health scare to hit the state of Oregon, officials have confirmed the first case of the plague in nearly a decade. The patient, whose identity remains undisclosed, is believed to have contracted the illness from their pet cat, which was suffering from a severe abscess.
Following the diagnosis, health authorities promptly contacted all individuals who had close contact with both the patient and their cat, providing them with medication to prevent possible infection. Thankfully, the patient responded well to antibiotic treatment and posed minimal risk to the community.
A spokesperson from the state health department revealed that the most common carriers of the plague in Central Oregon are squirrels, chipmunks, mice, and other rodents. This incident marks the first case of the plague in Oregon since 2015, although similar non-human, cat-related cases have been reported recently in Wyoming and Colorado.
According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were nine cases of the plague reported across the United States in 2020, resulting in two deaths. The bacterium Yersinia pestis causes this highly infectious disease, with transmission occurring through flea bites or contact with infected animals.
Typical symptoms of the plague include fever, nausea, weakness, chills, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes. While plague epidemics have occurred globally, with most cases in recent decades appearing in Africa, Asia, and South America, it is crucial for Oregon residents to take precautions.
Oregon health officials recommend avoiding contact with rodents and their fleas, as well as keeping pets on leashes when outdoors and protecting them with flea control products. In addition, residents are advised to discourage pet cats from hunting rodents and consult a veterinarian if their cat becomes sick after coming into contact with these animals.
Amidst the alarming news of the plague case, residents are urged to remain vigilant and follow these preventative measures to ensure their safety and well-being. The health department continues to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing the importance of early detection and timely treatment to control the spread of the disease.
“Introvert. Avid gamer. Wannabe beer advocate. Subtly charming zombie junkie. Social media trailblazer. Web scholar.”
