Oregon is rocked by first human case of BUBONIC PLAGUE in nearly a decade after being infected by their pet cat: Officials rush to contain virus

Officials in Oregon are rushing to contain an outbreak of bubonic plague after announcing the state’s first case since 2015.

The unidentified resident is believed to have contracted the plague from his symptomatic cat, health officials said Wednesday.

“All close contacts of the resident and their pet have been contacted and provided medication to prevent illness,” said Dr. Deschutes County Health Officer Richard Fawcett said in a statement.

There is little risk to the community because the case was identified and treated in the early stages of the disease, Fawcett said.

According to officials, no new cases of the plague have been discovered during the investigation into communicable diseases.

This is the first case of bubonic plague in Oregon since a 16-year-old contracted the disease in 2015.

The teen became ill after being bitten by an infected flea while on a hunting trip near Heppner, Morrow County.

There have been eight cases in the state over the past two decades, none of which resulted in deaths.

In 2012, an Oregon man lost his fingers and toes to the plague. He also contracted the disease from his cat after trying to remove a mouse from his cat’s throat.

The contagious bacterial disease is transmitted by squirrels, squirrels and other wild rodents and their fleas.

When an infected rodent becomes sick and dies, its fleas can transmit the infection to other animals or people through bites.

It is treatable with antibiotics if caught early, but can be fatal if left untreated. Bubonic plague is characterized by high fever, lethargy, and swollen lymph nodes.

There is currently no plague vaccine available.

Officials recommend people avoid all contact with wild rodents, especially sick or dead ones, and never feed squirrels or squirrels.

Pet owners are also advised to keep their pets away from wild rodents to avoid infection.