Oregon Confirms Bubonic Plague Infection Transmitted by Cat

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The bubonic plague, caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, is not a thing of the past. While cases in the US are relatively rare, Oregon recently confirmed its first case in eight years. Officials suspect the infection was transmitted from a domestic cat to its owner, who became seriously ill but responded well to antibiotics. Symptoms typically start with flu-like signs but can progress to painful swollen lymph nodes, called buboes, and potentially life-threatening complications if left untreated.

Y. pestis usually infects small mammals and fleas, and humans can contract the disease through bites, contaminated fluids, or airborne droplets. While bubonic plague, affecting the lymphatic system, is the most common form, it can escalate to infect the lungs, leading to respiratory symptoms. The last urban plague epidemic in the US ended in 1925, but periodic outbreaks still occur in rural areas, mainly in the Midwest and Northwest.

Globally, the plague persists in regions with animal reservoirs and dense human populations, such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Madagascar, and Peru, where outbreaks can be severe. However, the bubonic plague is no longer a widespread international threat compared to historical pandemics like the Black Death. Despite occasional outbreaks and fatalities, modern medicine has significantly reduced its impact.

Although a single case can garner attention due to the plague's historical significance, prompt treatment and preventive measures effectively contain its spread, such as controlling fleas and avoiding contact with infected animals. At the same time, the disease remains a concern, especially in endemic regions. Ongoing surveillance and public health efforts help mitigate its impact and prevent large-scale outbreaks.