Last week a cat that resides in Big Horn was confirmed to be infected with The Plague, according to the Wyoming Department of Health (WDH). Public Information Officer with WDH, Kim Deti says while the illness can be common in some animals, it is rare to find human cases of infection…
The last time a human case of The Plague had been reported in Wyoming was in 2008. Only about seven human cases are reported nationally each year. The infected Sheridan County cat is known to wander outdoors, and may have contracted the illness from a rodent. Prairie dogs in the area are known to be carriers of the disease.
Plague symptoms in pets can include enlarged lymph glands, swelling in the neck, face or around the ears; fever, chills, lack of energy, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration. Ill animals should be taken to a veterinarian.
Plague symptoms in humans 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.
