Oregon officials are rushing to contain an outbreak of bubonic plague after announcing the state’s first case since 2015.

The unidentified resident is believed to have contracted the plague from their symptomatic cat, health officials said on Wednesday. 

‘All close contacts of the resident and their pet have been contacted and provided medication to prevent illness,’ Dr. Richard Fawcett, the Deschutes County health officer said in a statement. 

There is little risk to the community as the case was identified and treated in the earlier stages of the disease, Fawcett said.

No additional cases of plague have emerged during the communicable disease investigation, according to officials. 

This is the first case of bubonic plague in Oregon since a 16-year-old contracted the disease in 2015. 

The teenager fell ill after being bitten by an infected flea during a hunting trip near Heppner, Morrow County.

There had been eight cases in the state in the previous 20 years, with none leading to deaths.

In 2012, an Oregon man lost his fingers and toes to the plague. He also contracted the disease from his cat after trying to remove a mouse from his cat’s throat.

The infectious bacterial disease is carried by squirrels, chipmunks and other wild rodents and their fleas. 

When an infected rodent becomes sick and dies, its fleas can carry the infection to other animals or humans through bites.

It is treatable with antibiotics if caught early, but can be fatal if left untreated. Bubonic plague is characterized by high fever, lethargy and swollen lymph nodes.

A plague vaccine is not available at this time.

Officials recommend people avoid any contact with wild rodents, especially sick or dead ones, and should never feed squirrels or chipmunks. 

Pet owners are also advised to keep their pets away from wild rodents to avoid infection. 

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