(Image via nypost.com)

Business Manager: Brendan Flaherty

Email: bflaherty1@umassd.edu

When you think of current viruses that might affect us in the modern day, COVID-19 taking widespread effect in 2020 probably comes to mind. But modern viruses aren’t the only illnesses plaguing humanity.

On February 7th, a man from Oregon was reported to have tested positive for the bubonic plague.

The bubonic plague, otherwise known as the black death, was characterized by its swelling and infecting of the lymphatic system — hence its name for its ability to make skin sores turn black. This disease was infamous during the mid-1300s and managed to wipe out “more than 20 million people in Europe” and Asia, according to history.com. 

It is primarily carried by fleas carrying the bacterium, who then pass it to the animals they feed on. Rodents, especially rats, were responsible for the outbreak in the 1300s.

The symptoms are mostly fevers, vomiting, diarrhea, pains, and, ultimately, causing the affected to die.

Back in the 1300s, there was no cure for this disease, so many fell ill with it and sadly passed away. They didn’t have any sort of antibiotics or pain medication that we have so readily available in today’s medical field, likely meaning a slow and agonizing death.

Although the plague is mostly gone, it still affects us to this day.

You might be wondering,”How likely is it for me to contract the plague, and where is it most likely to occur?” Cleveland Clinic answers, “About seven cases of plague happen in the U.S. every year on average.”

According to studies of the plague’s range, the only places in America where it is found are “in the rural western and southwestern U.S.,” as reported by Rebecca Boone in the Los Angeles Times. When it comes to other countries, the plague has been spotted most frequently in towns and villages in Africa. 

So, how is it that a man from Oregon has suddenly gotten it, and how might we handle this situation? 

In an article from USA Today, officials in the area say there is no need to panic. While the sickness ravaged the people of the 1300s, the bubonic plague has become treatable and not as much of a threat as it once was.

It was confirmed that the man “caught the plague from their house cat” and that he was treated as soon as possible. 

According to Boone, if you are subjected to the plague, you are “typically treated with antibiotics, and sometimes with other medical measures.”

The sooner you receive these treatments, the more likely it is that you survive the infection.

The man in Oregon has since been treated, and his family and those close to him have been alerted and have been given medication just in case of possible infection.

As of right now, the fear of the plague spreading again is low, according to officials. It can be treated and squashed if acted on quickly and efficiently.

Boone goes on to talk about how the people of the community are believed to not be at risk and that the man in question has been treated. Sadly, his cat, who is the one believed to be responsible for spreading it in the first place, has passed away.

The best way to counteract the plague is to quickly report if you are experiencing symptoms and find treatment as soon as possible. This applies to your pets as well, as they are another way that the plague is able to spread to humans.