2 exotic, rare diseases appear in Oregon

By Taxpayers Association of Oregon
OregonWatchdog.com

Do not be alarmed, but Oregon had a rare case of bubonic plague recently as well as 200+ cases of the rare Shigella (which is usually found in third world countries).

A Deschutes County resident caught the rare bubonic plague from an infected cat or fleas on the pet, which showed symptoms of the disease and died from it, according to Smithsonian Magazine. This is the first case of a human contracting the plague in Oregon since 2015, according to ABC News. The plague, which killed millions of Europeans during the Middle Ages, is still serious but can be treated with antibiotics. Symptoms include fever, weakness, chills, nausea, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes. The disease spreads to humans and animals from infected fleas or contact with sick animals, especially rodents.

Oregon’s Shigella case made the news in the United Kingdom.  They explain, “A highly contagious infection that is spread through tiny particles of fecal matter has broken out in Portland – with officials warning that the homeless population are most at risk of catching the illness. Shigella is a bacteria that spreads through human feces. People transmit the infection after getting the microbes on their hands and then touching their mouths. People can also spread the intestinal infection through sexual intercourse. Multnomah County in Oregon has warned that homeless people and same-sex male partners are most at risk because of their lack of access to hygienic facilities….The influx of infections were reported among unhoused people in downtown Portland’s Old Town neighborhood.” (read more)

— Was this helpful?  If so, Contribute online at OregonWatchdog.com (learn about a Charitable Tax Deduction or Political Tax Credit options to promote liberty).