(Fremont County, WY) – The Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) announced today, September 15, the detection of a rare but serious case of pneumonic plague in a resident of North Fremont County.
Plague is a bacterial infection that can be fatal to humans and other mammals, including pets, if not treated quickly with antibiotics. This disease can be transmitted to humans from diseased animals or by fleas from infected animals; in this case, the person had contact with sick pet cats.
The plague can also be transmitted from person to person through close contact with someone who has pneumonic plague. People with known exposure to the pest require post-exposure treatment with antibiotics to help prevent disease. WDH notifies people that they may need this type of treatment.
Plague symptoms depend on patient exposure. The most common form is bubonic plague, where patients develop the sudden onset of fever, headache, chills, and weakness, and one or more swollen, painful lymph nodes called buboes. This form usually results from the sting of an infected flea.
People with septicemic plague develop fever, chills, extreme weakness, abdominal pain, shock, and possible bleeding on the skin and other organs. Septicemic plague may present as the first symptom of the plague or may develop from untreated bubonic plague and may be caused by the sting of an infected flea or the handling of an infected animal.
People with pneumonic plague develop fever, headache, weakness, and pneumonia that develops rapidly with shortness of breath, chest pain, and sometimes watery or bloody mucous membranes.
Pneumonic plague is the most severe form and is the only form that can spread from person to person. Pneumonic plague can develop from inhalation of infectious drops or can develop from untreated bubonic or septicemic plague.
Dr. Alexia Harrist, a state health officer and state epidemiologist with WDH, said that while the risk to humans of contracting the plague is very low in Wyoming, the disease has been documented statewide in pets. and wild.
“It’s safe to assume that the risk of plague exists throughout our state,” Harrist said. “While the disease is rare in humans, it is important that people take precautions to reduce exposure and seek prompt medical attention if symptoms consistent with the plague develop.”
To reduce the risk of pest, WDH recommends:
- Reduce rodent habitats around the home, workplace, and recreational areas by removing brushes, rock piles, trash, cluttered firewood, and possible food supplies for rodents.
- Wear gloves when handling or skinning potentially infected animals to prevent contact between skin and pest bacteria.
- Use a repellent if possible flea exposure during activities such as camping, hiking, or working outdoors. Products containing DEET can be applied to both skin and clothing.
- Keep fleas out of indoor and outdoor pets by applying flea control products. Animals that roam freely in the open air are more likely to come into contact with animals or fleas infected by the pest.
- If pets get sick, seek the attention of a veterinarian as soon as possible.
- Do not allow free dogs or cats to share beds with people.
This human plague case is the seventh thought acquired in Wyoming since 1978. Other Wyoming registered cases include an out-of-state 1978 case acquired in Washakie County, a 1982 Laramie County case, a the 1992 Sheridan County case that resulted in death, a 2000 case in Washakie County, a 2004 out-of-state case acquired in Goshen County, and a 2008 out-of-state case acquired in Goshen County. Teton.