Cat to owner infected with plague

In the US state Oregon A case of bubonic plague was reported this week, the news agency reported AP. The sick person was allegedly infected by a domestic cat. He and those close to him were medicated and treated. The responsible health authority said there was no risk to others.

The cat, which, like its owner, showed severe symptoms of the disease, was treated but died.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, an average of seven human plague cases are reported in the United States each year, with bubonic plague accounting for 80 percent of cases. Most of these cases occur in the rural West and Southwestern United States.

Bubonic plague is caused by a bacterium (Yersinia pestis) that is spread by rodents and fleas. People and pets suspected of having plague are usually treated with antibiotics.

What symptoms appear?

Symptoms are different. Bubonic plague occurs when the plague bacteria invades the lymph nodes. It can cause fever, headache, weakness and pain, swollen lymph nodes. According to the CDC, it's usually caused by the bite of an infected flea.