Health officials report rare case of bubonic plague in Oregon

(CNN) – Health officials have identified a rare case of human bubonic plague in Oregon.

The Deschutes County Health Office says a pet owner was probably infected by their cat.

They were treated in the early stage of the disease and pose “little risk” to the community.

The last human case of plague in Oregon was in 2015.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says about seven cases are reported each year, primarily in the rural southwest and northwest areas.

Humans usually get infected after being bitten by an animal or flea carrying the bacteria.

Symptoms typically emerge about two to eight days after exposure.

They include swollen lymph nodes, fever, headache, chills and weakness.

If caught early, the plague is easily treated with antibiotics.