Human Plague Case Traced to Infected Pet Cat in Deschutes County
Bubonic plague, a disease infamous for its devastating impact on 14th-century Europe during the Black Death, has made a startling reappearance in the modern world. Recently, Oregon in the United States reported its first human case of bubonic plague in over eight years. Health officials suspect that the transmission occurred through a symptomatic pet cat. This incident highlights the importance of understanding the nature of the disease and taking necessary precautions to prevent its spread.
Bubonic plague is a severe infectious disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. It is primarily carried by wild rodents, such as squirrels, chipmunks, mice, and their fleas. When an infected rodent succumbs to the illness, its fleas can transmit the disease to other animals or humans through ...