Person in Oregon Diagnosed with Bubonic Plague
A person in Deschutes County, Oregon, has been diagnosed with a case of bubonic plague, making them the state’s first confirmed case of this rare bacterial infection since 2015.
How Plague Can Spread in the Modern Day
The recent case of bubonic plague in Oregon raises questions about how the disease can spread in the modern day. The reason why plague hasn't been eliminated is due to the presence of an animal reservoir. The bacteria can infect animals, and because we can't treat all animals in the wild, it continues to persist and occasionally causes human cases.
About seven human plague cases are reported each year in the United States, primarily in rural Southwest and Northwest areas. Plague is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, and humans usually get it after being bitten by a flea carrying the bacterium or after encountering an infected animal.
Early Diagnosis and Treatment
Symptoms of bubonic plague typically emerge in humans about two to eight days after exposure and include painful, swollen lymph nodes, fever, headache, chills, and weakness. If the condition is not diagnosed early, it can progress to more severe forms of the disease that are harder to treat.
However, with modern antibiotics, the plague is easily recognized, diagnosed, and treated. According to Dr. Harish Moorjani, an infectious disease specialist, people should not be overly worried about the spread of the plague as long as infected individuals and their immediate contacts receive treatment.
Precautions to Take
To reduce the risk of contracting plague, it is advised to avoid contact with rodents, fleas, and sick animals. Cats are especially susceptible to infection, followed by dogs and other rodents in the wild. Basic precautions, such as good hygiene practices and flea control, can also help prevent plague infections.
While there is a Yersinia pestis vaccine, it is recommended only for high-risk individuals working directly with the bacterium. Most people do not need the vaccine. Good general hygiene and rational protection at the individual level are enough to prevent plague infections.
