In a chilling reminder that history has a way of creeping back into our lives, the state of Oregon recently confirmed its first case of the bubonic plague in eight years. While this ancient affliction may seem like a thing of the past, the bacterium responsible for the disease, Yersinia pestis, continues to infect thousands of people worldwide annually. Although cases in the US are relatively rare, this recent incident serves as a stark reminder that the threat of the bubonic plague still looms over our modern society.
This newly confirmed case of the plague in Oregon is believed to have originated from a domestic cat that displayed symptoms of the disease. The patient, who contracted the infection from their pet, reportedly fell gravely ill. Unlike typical cases, which typically begin with flu-like symptoms such as fatigue, fever, chills, and headaches, this particular infection had progressed to a rare outcome: a draining abscess known as a “bubo.” Fortunately, advancements in modern medicine have transformed the bubonic plague from a death sentence into a treatable condition, and the patient in Oregon is said to be responding well to antibiotics.
Health officials have yet to determine precisely how the infection spread from the cat to its owner. One possibility is that the cat may have been bitten by infected fleas, which then transmitted the disease to the pet’s owner. Another potential scenario involves the owner coming into contact with the contaminated fluids of the infected cat. Y. pestis commonly infects small mammals and fleas, and the transmission to humans can occur through bites, contaminated fluids, or even droplets in the air. The infection can manifest as bubonic plague, a blood-based plague, or a lung-based plague.
While many believe the bubonic plague to be a disease of the distant past, it was first identified in the US in the early 20th century when rats, carrying infected fleas, arrived on ships. The last urban plague epidemic in the country was brought under control by 1925. However, Y. pestis found refuge in rural rodent species, leading to periodic outbreaks outside major cities. Today, most cases in the US occur in rural areas of the midwest and northwest, averaging around seven cases per year. Oregon’s previous case occurred in 2015 when a girl was infected during a hunting trip, requiring intensive care. Thankfully, the state has not reported any deaths from the plague in decades.
While the US experiences relatively few cases of the plague, the disease continues to plague numerous countries around the world. With the exception of Oceania, the plague remains present on every continent. Countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Madagascar, and Peru, where animal reservoirs and human populations overlap, regularly face outbreaks. During severe episodes, hundreds of lives can be claimed by the disease. However, in comparison to historical pandemics, such as the Black Death in Europe during the 15th century or the outbreaks in China and India during the 19th century, which claimed millions upon millions of lives, the bubonic plague is no longer the international killer it once was.
Despite its diminished global impact, the bubonic plague still captures headlines due to its historical infamy. Every reported case, even when successfully treated and contained, serves as a chilling reminder of the continued existence and potential resurgence of this centuries-old scourge. Vigilance in both public health initiatives and personal awareness remains crucial in protecting ourselves and others from this lingering threat. While the bubonic plague may no longer grip the world in a vice-like grip, it lingers in the shadows, a constant reminder of the fragility of our civilization.
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