Rare case of bubonic plague recorded in Oregon: Here’s what to know

The bubonic plague is an infection of the lymphatic system, usually resulting from the bite of an infected flea, Xenopsylla cheopis (the Oriental rat flea). Several flea species carried the bubonic plague, such as Pulex irritans (the human flea), Xenopsylla cheopis, and Ceratophyllus fasciatus.

Rare case of bubonic plague recorded in Oregon: Here’s what to know

Health officials in Deschutes County, Oregon, confirmed a rare case of human plague in a resident last week, marking the first reported case in the state since 2015. Officials said the individual was likely infected by their pet cat, which showed symptoms of the disease.

They Say There’s Little Risk to Community. Public health officials in Oregon have reported a case of bubonic plague in a resident who they said likely contracted it from a pet cat.

The plague was responsible for the Black Death in medieval Europe and elsewhere which killed millions of people and devastated the continent. In modern times it has become much rarer.