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Notes from the Field: Early-Season #Human #Plague Transmitted from an Infected #Cat — #Oregon, January 2024

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By G.M.

 


Summary

-- What is known about this topic?

- Plague is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, which is transmitted primarily through fleas from rodents. This case highlights an off-season transmission of plague. Plague is most often identified during May–August.

-- What is added by this report?

- An Oregon man sought care at an emergency department for signs and symptoms of plague on January 30, 2024, the earliest calendar date of plague recorded in the state’s history, possibly indicating a shift in the seasonality of plague incidence. The patient did not have direct contact with rodents, but did have contact with his infected cat after cutting his finger.

-- What are the implications for public health practice?

- Public health messaging and diagnostic efforts regarding plague are warranted year-round in areas with endemic disease.


Abstract

Plague is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. Y. pestis is transmitted primarily through the bite of an infected rodent flea or handling of infected animals. Plague is a rare but potentially life-threatening illness in the western United States, occurring in bubonic, septicemic, or pneumonic forms, primarily affecting rural populations, and is treatable with antibiotics if diagnosed early.

Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, MMWR, https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7426a2.htm?s_cid=mm7426a2_e&ACSTrackingID=USCDC_921-DM148456&ACSTrackingLabel=Week%20in%20MMWR%3A%20Vol.%2074%2C%20July%2017%2C%202025&deliveryName=USCDC_921-DM148456

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