Cat in Eastern Idaho Tests Positive for Plague

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (AP) — Public health officials in eastern Idaho say a cat in Clark County has tested positive for plague.

According to the Eastern Idaho Public Health District, the cat has recovered from the illness and is doing fine. In May, officials found dead ground squirrels that also tested for plague in southwestern Idaho. The bacterial disease can be spread by flea bites or by direct contact with infected animals.

The last human cases to have the plague in Idaho occurred in 1991 and 1992. Both patients fully recovered. Officials say symptoms of plague in humans include fever, chills, headache and weakness, and that prompt diagnosis and treatment greatly reduces the fatality rate