No additional cases of bubonic plague have emerged in Deschutes County, Oregon, officials say
Health officials said this week that an Oregonian has contracted the bubonic plague, the state’s first case since 2015.
According to a news release issued on Wednesday by Deschutes County Health Services, the resident’s ill pet cat was probably the source of their plague infection.
Deschutes County health officer Dr. Richard Fawcett stated in the release, “All close contacts of the resident and their pet have been contacted and provided medication to prevent illness,” without naming the afflicted resident.
Since the case was discovered and treated when the illness was still in its early stages, officials stated that there was no risk to the community. No new plague cases have surfaced in the course of the examination into communicable diseases.
If not identified early, the bubonic plague can develop into the more serious and challenging to treat pneumonic plague (lung infection) or septicemic plague (bloodstream infection).
The Oregon Health Authority reports that the last human plague case in Oregon occurred in 2015.
A mass of Yersinia pestis bacteria, the cause of bubonic plague, as seen in the foregut of a flea vector. (IMAGE POINT FR/NIH/NIAID/BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Within two to eight days of exposure, humans usually start to exhibit signs of the plague. A quick onset of fever, nausea, weakness, chills, muscle aches, and observably swollen lymph nodes known as “buboes” are among the possible symptoms.
Humans can contract the disease by bites, contact with diseased animals or fleas, or both.
A bubonic plague smear demonstrating the presence of Yersinia pestis bacteria. (Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)
Although mice and other rodents can potentially transmit the disease, officials in Central Oregon issued a warning noting that squirrels and chipmunks are the most prevalent species to spread the bubonic plague.
Officials advise households and pets to stay away from any interaction with rodents and fleas, including sick, injured, or dead rodents, in order to stop the plague from spreading.
IMPORTANT POINTS TO ADHERE
It seems that some medical professionals believed the patient had a cough, which could indicate that the illness had advanced and turned into the pneumonic plague.
Pneumonic plague can spread from person to person and is frequently fatal. Dr. Fawcett asserts that it’s unclear whether that actually occurred.
If an animal comes into contact with an infected rodent or is bitten by a flea carrying the bacterium that causes the plague, they could get the bubonic plague.
Humans contract the disease from other people by inhaling or sneezing biological fluids, such as tissue.
Additionally, fleas harboring the bacterium Yersinia pestis can be brought home by pets, and the owner may subsequently get bitten.
Health officials claim that because cats are more prone to chase rodents and because their bodies have a harder time fending off the plague, they are more susceptible to it.
Antibiotics were used in the latest diagnosis’ treatment. Physicians also attended to the patient’s family members.
“If we know a patient has the bacteria in the blood, we might decide to be on the safe side,” Dr. Fawcett tells NBC News.
Individuals afflicted with the bubonic plague typically exhibit excruciating swelling in their lymph nodes, which is typically curable with antibiotics.
RELATED: What is Bubonic Plague, Symptoms, Causes and How to Stay Safe
On the other hand, if it enters the bloodstream and is not treated, it may result in potentially lethal complications.
The Black Death was brought on by the same thing, but it was before antibiotics were developed, according to David Wagner, director of Northern Arizona University’s Biodefense and Disease Ecology Center.
Dr. Fawcett states that there is probably very little chance of a spread in Oregon. An average of seven human cases of the plague are reported annually in the United States.
Wagner added, “We still don’t have a good handle on plague persistence in the western U.S. environment.” It’s just very mysterious. We have no idea what’s going on out there because it kind of vanishes into these rodent populations.
It’s recommended that pet owners use flea control solutions, keep their animals on leashes while they’re outside, and take them to the veterinarian right away if they get sick after handling a rat.
According to health officials, people should also stay away from rodents and refrain from attempting to feed chipmunks or squirrels.
Bubonic Plague Prevention and Control
Preventing and controlling the bubonic plague, caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, requires a multi-faceted approach involving public health measures, surveillance, and community engagement. Here are some key strategies for prevention and control:
1. Rodent Control: Since the plague bacterium primarily resides in rodents, particularly rats, effective rodent control measures are essential. This includes eliminating rodent habitats, sealing entry points into buildings, and implementing rodent-proofing measures in homes and buildings. Additionally, using rodenticides and traps can help reduce rodent populations in areas where plague is endemic.
2. Flea Control: The plague bacterium is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected fleas. Therefore, controlling flea populations is crucial for preventing the spread of the disease. This can be achieved through the use of insecticides, flea repellents for pets, and environmental sanitation to remove flea habitats.
3. Surveillance: Surveillance systems play a critical role in monitoring for outbreaks of plague and identifying areas where the disease is endemic. Surveillance efforts may include monitoring rodent populations, tracking cases of plague in humans and animals, and conducting laboratory testing to confirm diagnoses.
4. Public Education: Educating communities about the risk factors for plague and preventive measures they can take is essential for raising awareness and promoting behavioral changes. This may include information about avoiding contact with rodents and their fleas, practicing good hygiene, and seeking medical care promptly if symptoms of plague develop.
5. Early Diagnosis and Treatment: Prompt diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics are crucial for managing cases of plague and preventing further transmission. Healthcare providers should be trained to recognize the symptoms of plague and to consider the diagnosis in individuals presenting with compatible symptoms, particularly in areas where the disease is endemic.
6. Isolation and Quarantine: In outbreak situations, isolating infected individuals and implementing quarantine measures may be necessary to prevent the spread of the disease. This may involve isolating patients with suspected or confirmed cases of plague and monitoring individuals who have been in close contact with them for signs of illness.
7. Vector Control Programs: Implementing vector control programs aimed at reducing the population of fleas and other potential vectors of plague can help minimize the risk of transmission to humans. This may involve targeted insecticide applications in areas where fleas are known to be present.
Overall, a comprehensive approach that integrates rodent and flea control, surveillance, public education, early diagnosis, and treatment is essential for preventing and controlling outbreaks of bubonic plague. Collaboration between public health authorities, healthcare providers, community leaders, and residents is key to effectively implementing these strategies and reducing the burden of plague in endemic regions.
