The Black Death swept across Europe in the 14th century.
Angels:
Officials in the US state of Oregon say they are dealing with a rare case of the Black Death in humans that may have been spread by a pet cat.
The disease, which killed at least a third of Europe’s population during the medieval pandemic known as the Black Death, is less common in developed countries and is now treatable but remains potentially dangerous.
The Deschutes County patient has not been identified, but officials said they are being treated, adding that the patient was likely infected by their cat.
“All close contacts of the resident and his pets have been contacted and provided with medication to prevent illness,” Deschutes County Health Officer Dr. Richard Fossett said when announcing the case last week.
Authorities say humans can develop plague symptoms within eight days of contact with infected animals or fleas.
Symptoms may include fever, nausea, weakness, chills and muscle pain. If not diagnosed early, bubonic plague can progress to septicemic plague (a blood infection) or pneumonic plague (affecting the lungs). Both are much more serious.
“Fortunately, the case was detected and treated in the early stages of the disease, posing minimal risk to the community,” a statement said.
“No further cases of plague have emerged during the infectious disease investigation.”
The Oregon Health Authority says plague occurs rarely in the area, with the last reported case in 2015.
The Black Death swept across Europe in the 14th century, killing up to 50 million people and making it one of the deadliest epidemics in human history.
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