Plague confirmed in Campbell County cat

By News Record Staff
Gillette News Record
Via Wyoming News Exchange
 
 
GILLETTE — A Campbell County cat has been confirmed as infected with plague, according to the Wyoming Department of Health. No human cases have been identified in the area.
The illness was confirmed by testing at the Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory in Laramie.
“Plague is a serious bacterial infection that can be deadly for pets and for people if not treated as soon as possible with antibiotics,” said Dr. Alexia Harrist, state health officer and state epidemiologist with the Department of Health. “The disease can be transmitted to humans from ill animals and by fleas coming from infected animals. We want people to know of the potential threat in the cat’s home area as well as across the state.”
In August, the Department of Health confirmed a case of plague in a Sheridan County cat.
Six human cases of plague have been exposed in Wyoming since 1978 with the last one investigated in 2008. There are an average of seven human cases across the nation each year.
To help prevent plague:
 
•  Use insect repellent on boots and pants when in areas that might have fleas
•  Use flea repellent on pets, and properly dispose of rodents pets may bring 
  home
•  Avoid unnecessary exposure to rodents
•  Avoid contact with rodent carcasses
•  Avoid areas with unexplained rodent die-offs
Plague symptoms in pets can include enlarged lymph glands, lack of energy, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, fever, chills and swelling in the neck, face or around the ears.
Plague symptoms in people can include fever, swollen and tender lymph glands, extreme exhaustion, headache, chills, coughing, difficulty breathing, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea. People who are ill should seek professional medical attention.