How common is it?
In the United States, there are an average of seven human cases per year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Over 80 percent of these cases are the inguinal form of the disease.
The disease is most common in rural, western areas, especially parts of Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Oregon. In these places, the bacteria can circulate in prairie dogs, squirrels, chipmunks, wood rats and other animals.
Globally, 1,000 to 2,000 cases are reported each year, according to the CDC
How do cats get plague?
Cats can become infected when they ingest infected rodents or are bitten by the fleas associated with these rodents. Since 1977, 407 cats in New Mexico have been diagnosed with distemper, Dr. Phipps said. “Hunting pets are one of the highest risk groups,” he added. “Cats are very susceptible to plague and it can be fatal.”
As with humans, infected cats can make a full recovery if the disease is caught early. But because the symptoms are similar to those of many other diseases, diagnosis can be difficult. Infected cats may develop a fever, become lethargic and lose their appetite. Swollen lymph nodes, especially in the neck area, are also common.
Dogs can also become infected, but they don’t tend to get sick as much as cats.
How worried should I be about getting plague from my cat?
“The risk of getting plague from your cat is very small,” Dr. Lathrop said.
