Wyoming resident exposed to sick cats positive for pneumonic plague

CASPER, Wyoming – The Wyoming Department of Health reported Wednesday, September 15, that a case of pneumonic plague has been detected in a resident of northern Fremont County.

The person who contracted the plague would have been in contact with sick cats.

Plague cases are rare in humans. The WDH reports that only seven cases among residents or non-residents have been detected since 1978. The last time a case was detected in Wyoming, it was a non-resident who contracted the plague in the county. de Teton in 2008.

Pulmonary plague is the most serious form of plague, according to the WDH, and is the only type of plague that can spread from person to person. The health service informs people who may have been in contact with the HIV-positive person and who may need treatment.

“Pulmonary plague can develop from inhaling infectious droplets or can develop from untreated bubonic or septicaemic plague,” the department said.

Plague in general is “a bacterial infection which can be fatal to humans and other mammals, including pets, if not treated promptly with antibiotics,” WDH said. “People with known exposure to plague need post-exposure treatment with antibiotics to help prevent disease. “

“The symptoms of plague depend on how the patient is exposed. The most common form is bubonic plague, where patients develop a sudden onset of fever, headache, chills, and weakness, and one or more swollen and painful lymph nodes called buboes. This form usually results from the bite of an infected flea.

“People with septicemic plague develop fever, chills, extreme weakness, abdominal pain, shock and possible bleeding in the skin and other organs. Septicaemic plague can be the first symptom of plague or can develop from untreated bubonic plague and can be caused by the bite of an infected flea or handling an infected animal. People with pneumonic plague develop fever, headache, weakness, and rapidly developing pneumonia with shortness of breath, chest pain, and sometimes watery or bloody mucous membranes.

Dr Alexia Harrist, Wyoming state health official and epidemiologist, said the risk of contracting plague in humans is very low in Wyoming. Cases have been documented in domestic and wild animals.

“It’s safe to assume that the risk of plague exists all around our state,” Harrist said. “Although the disease is rare in humans, it is important that people take precautions to reduce exposure and seek medical attention promptly if symptoms consistent with plague develop.”

To reduce the risk of plague, WDH recommends:

• Reduce rodent habitats around the home, workplace, and recreation areas by removing brush, rock piles, garbage, cluttered firewood, and any rodent food stores.
• Wear gloves if handling or skinning potentially infected animals to avoid contact between your skin and plague bacteria.
• Use a repellant if flea exposure is possible during activities such as camping, hiking, or working outdoors. Products containing DEET can be applied to the skin as well as to clothing.
• Keep fleas away from pets and outdoors by applying flea control products. Animals that roam freely outdoors are more likely to come into contact with animals or fleas infected with plague.
• If the animals get sick, see a veterinarian as soon as possible.
• Do not let loose dogs or cats share beds with people.

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