A cat in Wyoming is confirmed by authorities to have the plague. No human cases have been identified, but this is the third case of a plague-infected cat in Wyoming in the last six months.

Plague-Infected Cat

The Wyoming Department of Health announced a case of a plague-infected cat, confirmed by the Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory in Laramie. According to the authorities, this is the third case of a plague-infected cat in Wyoming for the last six months, with the other cases being in Sheridan and Campbell counties.

Since 1978, there have only been six human cases of the plague in Wyoming, with the last one having been investigated on in 2008. So far, there are no human cases identified related to this case, but on average, there are seven human plague cases in the United States each year.

Authorities note that while rare, plague is a serious infection that may cause death in pets and people if not treated immediately. As such, authorities warn those living in areas near the cat’s home as well as across the state to be extra careful, especially in areas where there may be rodents and fleas.

Plague

Plague is an infectious disease caused by the Yersinia pestis bacteria that affects rodents, other animals, and humans, and may be found in many places in the world, including the United States.

Typically, people can get infected with the plague if they are bitten by an infected flea, when they breathe in respiratory droplets after having close contact with an infected animal or human, or when they have direct contact with the bodily fluids or tissues of infected animals, living or dead.

Some symptoms of the plague in humans are fever, swollen lymph glands, extreme exhaustion, chills, headache, difficulty in breathing, coughing, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. The symptoms are rather similar for pets, plus their necks may swell as well.

Any human or animal suspected to have the plague must immediately receive medical attention.