Health Officials Investigating Two Cases of Plague in the USA

Health officials and doctors in the USA are currently investigating two cases of the Plague, a medieval disease that has resurfaced in the modern world. The first case involves a patient in Colorado who has contracted the serious illness, which can present in three main clinical forms – bubonic, pneumonic, or septicemic.

The Plague is typically transmitted between infected animals and humans through various means, including the bite of infected fleas, direct contact with infected tissues, and inhalation of infected respiratory droplets. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the bubonic plague has a fatality rate of 30 to 60 percent, while the pneumonic form is always fatal if left untreated.

Symptoms of the Plague are flu-like and include a sudden fever, severe head and muscle aches, chills, and vomiting. Swollen lymph nodes are also common, and in severe cases, hands and feet may turn black. The disease is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, which is carried by rodents and fleas, and can be treated with antibiotics.

While the bubonic plague’s most deadly period occurred in Europe during The Black Death era, doctors in the 21st century are well-equipped to handle cases and prevent its spread. In the US, there are an average of seven human plague cases reported annually, with recent cases including a woman in Oregon successfully treated after being infected by a sick pet cat.

Despite its historical significance, the Plague continues to pose a threat in modern times, with cases reported in various parts of the world, particularly in rural towns and villages in Africa. As health officials work to contain and treat the current cases in the US, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle against infectious diseases.