Oregon residents have contracted the bubonic plague from their cats, local officials say

A pet owner in Oregon has contracted bubonic plague from his cat, a rare example of the potentially fatal disease emerging in the United States, local authorities say.

The plague was responsible for the Black Death in medieval Europe and elsewhere, killing millions and devastating the continent. In modern times it has become much rarer.

Local officials said the unnamed person in rural Deschutes County, Oregon, likely contracted the plague from his pet, which was showing symptoms of the disease.

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

The case is the first example of bubonic plague in Oregon since 2015. The disease is usually found in areas carried by squirrels, chipmunks, mice and other rodents.

Plague symptoms begin two to eight days after exposure to an infected animal or flea and may include fever, nausea, weakness, chills, muscle aches, and visibly swollen lymph nodes called buboes, which give the plague its name.

“Fortunately, this case was identified and treated in the early stages of the disease, posing little risk to the community. “No new cases of plague have been discovered during the investigation of communicable diseases,” the spokesperson said district said in a statement.