Man Catches Plague from His Cat
Is it possible that cats are bringing the plague to America? An Oregon man caught the plague, believed to have picked it up from his sick cat. It is said that his diagnosis was caught in the early stages, therefore there are no fatalities.
Now, it is obvious with this being said that the “Black Death” is back, only this time it is being carried by cats. Cats who like to catch certain rodents, are most likely the ones to catch an illness. However, there can be struggles to a pet getting sick. There are lots of sicknesses that they can give to the owner very easily.
The Unfortunate Truth
“A lot of people are not aware that plague is endemic in parts of the U.S.,” said Dr. Erin Phipps, New Mexico’s state public health veterinarian. “It’s not a disease of the past.” Although, as of right now no one else is known to be infected with it.
The symptomatic feline, who had given it’s owner this illness, did die from the infection. As sad as it is, it is helpful to be aware of the pets health. Furthermore, if there is something noticeably wrong, seek help if possible. With that being said, be aware that not all cases are easily treatable. Eventually, something bad could happen.
That is not just regarding cats, humans get sick all the time. In some cases, there are many ways to treat and avoid. Unfortunately, not all cases seem to be that way. There are so many new undiscovered diseases and ones that are reoccurring.
Reoccurring Cases and Causes
Sadly, the “Black Death” is one of the reoccurring illnesses. It is most definitely treatable if caught in time. However it is a scary thing to have if not caught. Furthermore, this is not the first case that has happened in recent time. Back in 2020 there was a California case. As well as two serious cases in Colorado in 2015.
How do people get the “Black Death?” There are so many animals that can be infected by the disease. These animals include:
- Rabbits.
- Mice and rats.
- Squirrels.
- Prairie dogs.
- Voles.
- Chipmunks.
However dogs and cats may also be carriers for the illness. “Wild carnivores can become infected by eating other infected animals,” the CDC notes.
What are the Symptoms and Treatments?
There are a few different types, so symptoms and treatment vary bases on which the human is infected with.
- Septicemic plague: This plague typically takes place when the bacteria enters the bloodstream. The symptoms include: extreme weakness, adnominal pain, chills, and fever. As well as, possibly internal bleeding, and shock. Some other extreme symptoms include: Skin as well as other tissue, can turn black and die.
- Bubonic plague: This is the pain type of plague seen in the U.S. so far. The main symptoms is extremely swollen and painful lymph nodes located in the groin or armpit. Along with, Coughing, weakness, fever, and chills.
- Pneumonic plague: This specific type typically happens when the other plagues go untreated, then it spreads to the lungs. The following are the symptoms of this plague: pneumonia, shortness of breath, weakness, fever, headache, sometimes bloody or watery mucous, chest pain, and a cough.
The pneumonia could very well cause shock and respiratory failure. This type of plague is the most serious form and has a high fatality rate.
With that being said, if the illness is caught early enough, antibiotics can be prescribed to the patient. The faster it is caught, the better the chance of a great recovery.
Ways to Avoid Getting the Plague
“It’s important to keep fleas off your pets because fleas can transmit not only the plague but also other infections,” says Dr. Céline Gounder, a CBS News medical contributor and editor-at-large for public health at KFF Health News.
Letting your pets be out and roaming freely, mainly in the western areas, is how you increase the risk of people getting infected. Because the western areas are most infected.
By Key Robertson
Sources:
CBS News: Rare Oregon plague case caught from a cat. Here’s what to know about symptoms and how it spreads.
The New York Times: Can Your Cat Give You the Plague?
Independent: An Oregon man caught the Bubonic plague. How cats could bring America’s Black Death
Featured Image Courtesy of Davide Alberani Flickr Page-Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Richard Mortel Flickr Page-Creative Commons License
