Medieval Plague Strikes in 2024? How You Can Stay Safe
Remember learning about the infamous Black Death in medieval history class? The bubonic plague outbreak notorious for decimating up to 60% of Europe’s population way back when?
Well, the same illness recently surfaced in modern day Oregon… after a resident contracted the infection from a flea-ridden pet feline.
The fact that these diseases—from eras without antibiotics or sanitation—are cropping up in today’s world is certainly alarming.
But, before freaking out over possibilities of a new outbreak, let’s contextualize this case and offer practical protections.
First know that sporadic bubonic plague infections still simmer across rural pockets of the western US today. This represents the bacteria’s stronghold since arriving via early 1900s steamships, rather than signaling an impending catastrophic outbreak.
When infections do occur, prompt diagnosis and treatment generally prevent escalation beyond isolated cases. So officials emphasize early symptom recognition as critical, especially since antibiotics combat plague bacteria extremely well when administered quickly.
Now, what drove past pandemics doesn’t exist today, namely: cities overrun by flea-infested rats transporting disease unchecked. Modern infrastructure limits rodent issues, and far less flea-bitten humans means limited transmission chances outside freak occurrences.
So breathe easy; Oregon’s singular situation seems well-contained for now. But since vigilant plague prevention from everyone still makes outbreaks less likely, here are 10 tips to uphold:
- Avoid contact with wild rodents and fleas
- Protect pets with leash controls and anti-flea measures
- Keep homes rodent-proof, restrict pet roaming
- Discourage cats hunting mice
- Seek prompt veterinary care for limping pets
- Eliminate campsite/picnic food sources
- Sleep away from animal burrows
- Don’t feed park squirrels or chipmunks
- Wear protective garb in nature
- Use insect repellants below pants cuffs
Stay alert for high fevers, swollen lymph nodes, nausea or fatigue after animal scratches. Seek immediate care if symptoms surface, but otherwise keep perspective.
Stick to the prevention fundamentals and all should stay well!
To not panicking,
Rachel Mace
Editor, e-Alert with contributions from the research team
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