Rare Bubonic Plague Case Emerges in US, Elicits Historical Echoes

Los Angeles, Oregon officials are managing a rare human case of bubonic plague, likely transmitted by a pet cat. This disease, infamous for its role in the "Black Death" pandemic that claimed a third of Europe's population in the Middle Ages, is uncommon in developed countries. Although now treatable, it remains potentially dangerous.

The patient in Deschutes County, whose identity is withheld, is undergoing treatment, with officials suggesting the probable transmission from their cat. Dr. Richard Fawcett, Deschutes County Health Officer, assured that all close contacts, including the pet, have been contacted and provided medication to prevent illness.

Plague symptoms typically manifest up to eight days after exposure to an infected animal or flea. These symptoms include fever, nausea, weakness, chills, and muscle aches. If not diagnosed early, bubonic plague can escalate to septicemic plague (an infection of the bloodstream) or pneumonic plague (affecting the lungs), both significantly more severe.

Fortuitously, this case was identified and treated in the early stages, posing minimal risk to the community. Officials emphasize the absence of additional plague cases during the ongoing communicable disease investigation.

The Oregon Health Authority notes the rarity of plague in the area, with the last reported case in 2015. The historical context underlines the severity of the "Black Death," which swept through Europe in the 14th century, causing one of the deadliest pandemics in human history, claiming as many as 50 million lives.

This contemporary case underscores the continued existence of this ancient disease and the importance of prompt identification and treatment to mitigate potential risks in the community.

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