Health and Me

Tanya Dutt

US Faces Biggest Measles Spike In Three Decades- What’s Driving The Surge?

US Faces Biggest Measles Spike in Three Decades—What’s Driving the Surge?

The United States is experiencing its largest and most significant measles outbreak in over 30 years. With 1,168 cases confirmed in 34 states through early June 2025, the country is poised to exceed the 2019 outbreak total of 1,274, putting the measles elimination status America gained in 2000 at risk.

The recent surge is more than four times the number of cases that were reported in 2024 (285 cases), an alarming trend that public health officials warn can be exacerbated if not addressed immediately.

As of data provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), measles have already been reported in 34 states, which include densely populated areas like California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Illinois, as well as relatively more rural states like South Dakota, Montana, and Vermont. Particularly, Texas registers 742 cases, with almost 100 hospitalizations, though the transmission there has dwindled in recent weeks.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/covid-19-cases-in-india-reach-nearly-5000-with-more-than-50-affecting-adults-aged-between-25-50-state-officials-report-article-151807000" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">COVID-19 Cases In India Surges Past 5,000 With More Than 50% Affecting Adults Aged Between 25-50, State Officials Report</a>

The CDC has identified 17 separate outbreaks, a rapid increase from the 16 that occurred throughout all of 2024. The outbreaks have caused 89% of all reported cases of measles this year, indicating that clustered exposures — frequently due to travel or regional vaccine refusal — are responsible for driving the surge.

The demographic statistics tell an unmistakable story of vulnerability:

<ul><li>5 to 19 years of age comprise 38% of total cases</li><li>Adults comprise 33%</li><li>Children under the age of 5 years comprise 29%</li></ul>

Alarmed, 95% of cases were either unvaccinated or their vaccination history was unknown. Just 3% of individuals who were infected had both doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Three fatalities have already been confirmed: two in unvaccinated school-age children in Texas with no pre-existing health condition, and one in New Mexico, that of an unvaccinated adult. These sad incidents highlight how dangerous the illness can be, particularly when preventable by vaccination.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/women-on-weight-loss-jabs-like-ozempic-and-mounjaro-urged-to-use-contraception-after-surprise-baby-boom-article-151797387" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Women On Weight-Loss Jabs Like Ozempic And Mounjaro Urged To Use Contraception After Surprise 'Baby boom'</a>

<h2></h2><h2>MMR Vaccine Rates Declining: The Root Cause of <span rel="noindex">Measles Outbreak 2025</span> US</h2>

The CDC advises two MMR doses—one at 12 to 15 months, and a second at 4 to 6 years. The two-dose regimen is 97% effective against measles. However, coverage is falling below thresholds critical to herd immunity:

Only 92.7% of kindergartners across the country got both doses of MMR in the 2023–2024 school year.

This is down from 93.1% the year before and 95.2% in 2019–2020 (pre-pandemic levels).

In some communities, coverage falls well short of herd immunity levels, allowing outbreaks to take hold.

Routine immunization programs were severely disrupted during the pandemic years, and residual vaccine hesitancy driven by misinformation has widened the gap further.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/cdc-contradicts-rfk-jr-on-immunization-for-kids-amid-covid-vaccine-changes-confusion-and-misinformation-article-151789173" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">CDC Contradicts RFK Jr. On Immunization For Kids Amid COVID Vaccine Changes, Confusion And Misinformation</a>

<h2>International Travel Measles Exposure: How Global Cases Fuel US Outbreaks</h2>

This year's surge has a very international element, with several new U.S. cases attributed to travelers returning from nations currently struggling with their own measles outbreaks. For example:

A teenage tourist in Virginia transmitted the virus to a child under 4 years old.

The same trend was observed in Georgia, where an unvaccinated local caught measles from an infected family member who was a tourist in a foreign country.

Across the globe, Canada is having a bigger outbreak with 2,755 cases, almost 2,000 of them in Ontario province alone. Sadly, the nation reported its first measles fatality of the year—a premature baby born to an unvaccinated woman. The UK Health Security Agency also made warnings prior to the summer travel season, warning that increasing case loads around the world could lead to further transmission.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/nutrition/do-you-need-more-protein-or-just-the-right-kind-dietician-explains-how-to-make-smarter-choices-article-151791367" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Do You Need More Protein Or Just The Right Kind? Dietician Explains How To Make Smarter Choices</a>

Measles is one of the most infectious diseases known to mankind. The CDC states that a person infected with the virus can infect 9 out of 10 close contacts if the contacts are not immunized or are immune-deprived.

Symptoms of cough, runny nose, rash, and high fever may appear manageable—but the effects are dire. At risk are:

<ul><li>Pneumonia</li><li>Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)</li><li>Blindness</li><li>Death, especially among children and immunodepressed persons</li></ul>

Because of these risks, measles continues to be a high-level threat, especially where vaccination levels drop below herd immunity levels (traditionally deemed to be close to 95%).

<h2>Vaccine Hesitancy Measles Crisis: Understanding the Measles Elimination Status Risk</h2>

Federal, state, and local health officials are stepping up to:

<ul><li>Boost vaccination levels, particularly for school-age children</li><li>Initiate public awareness campaigns to counteract vaccine misinformation</li><li>Enforce stronger immunization requirements in schools and public institutions</li><li>Strengthen port of entry and domestic travel hub surveillance and outbreak response</li></ul>

Experts emphasize that measles elimination remains within reach — but only if immediate action is taken to address the recent downturn in immunization confidence and expand access in underserved communities.

The return of measles in the United States is a wake-up call, not only for this country but also internationally. A disease that was declared eliminated is now re-emerging almost entirely because of preventable reasons such as vaccine reluctance and international travel in a world that is still coming out of COVID-19's shadow.

The current trajectory of data strongly implies that, absent of immediate public health measures, the U.S. might soon record its highest number of measles cases for any given year since 1992—a chastening moment for a country that was once at the forefront of measles control.

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The United States is experiencing its largest and most significant measles outbreak in over 30 years. With 1,168 cases confirmed in 34 states through early June 2025, the country is poised to exceed the 2019 outbreak total of 1,274, putting the measles elimination status America gained in 2000 at risk.The recent surge is more than four times the number of cases that were reported in 2024 (285 cases), an alarming trend that public health officials warn can be exacerbated if not addressed immediately. As of data provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), measles have already been reported in 34 states, which include densely populated areas like California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Illinois, as well as relatively more rural states like South Dakota, Montana, and Vermont. Particularly, Texas registers 742 cases, with almost 100 hospitalizations, though the transmission there has dwindled in recent weeks.Also Read: COVID-19 Cases In India Surges Past 5,000 With More Than 50% Affecting Adults Aged Between 25-50, State Officials ReportThe CDC has identified 17 separate outbreaks, a rapid increase from the 16 that occurred throughout all of 2024. The outbreaks have caused 89% of all reported cases of measles this year, indicating that clustered exposures — frequently due to travel or regional vaccine refusal — are responsible for driving the surge.The demographic statistics tell an unmistakable story of vulnerability:5 to 19 years of age comprise 38% of total casesAdults comprise 33%Children under the age of 5 years comprise 29%Alarmed, 95% of cases were either unvaccinated or their vaccination history was unknown. Just 3% of individuals who were infected had both doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.Three fatalities have already been confirmed: two in unvaccinated school-age children in Texas with no pre-existing health condition, and one in New Mexico, that of an unvaccinated adult. These sad incidents highlight how dangerous the illness can be, particularly when preventable by vaccination.Also Read: Women On Weight-Loss Jabs Like Ozempic And Mounjaro Urged To Use Contraception After Surprise 'Baby boom'MMR Vaccine Rates Declining: The Root Cause of Measles Outbreak 2025 USThe CDC advises two MMR doses—one at 12 to 15 months, and a second at 4 to 6 years. The two-dose regimen is 97% effective against measles. However, coverage is falling below thresholds critical to herd immunity:Only 92.7% of kindergartners across the country got both doses of MMR in the 2023–2024 school year.This is down from 93.1% the year before and 95.2% in 2019–2020 (pre-pandemic levels).In some communities, coverage falls well short of herd immunity levels, allowing outbreaks to take hold.Routine immunization programs were severely disrupted during the pandemic years, and residual vaccine hesitancy driven by misinformation has widened the gap further.Also Read: CDC Contradicts RFK Jr. On Immunization For Kids Amid COVID Vaccine Changes, Confusion And MisinformationInternational Travel Measles Exposure: How Global Cases Fuel US OutbreaksThis year's surge has a very international element, with several new U.S. cases attributed to travelers returning from nations currently struggling with their own measles outbreaks. For example:A teenage tourist in Virginia transmitted the virus to a child under 4 years old.The same trend was observed in Georgia, where an unvaccinated local caught measles from an infected family member who was a tourist in a foreign country.Across the globe, Canada is having a bigger outbreak with 2,755 cases, almost 2,000 of them in Ontario province alone. Sadly, the nation reported its first measles fatality of the year—a premature baby born to an unvaccinated woman. The UK Health Security Agency also made warnings prior to the summer travel season, warning that increasing case loads around the world could lead to further transmission.Also Read: Do You Need More Protein Or Just The Right Kind? Dietician Explains How To Make Smarter ChoicesMeasles is one of the most infectious diseases known to mankind. The CDC states that a person infected with the virus can infect 9 out of 10 close contacts if the contacts are not immunized or are immune-deprived.Symptoms of cough, runny nose, rash, and high fever may appear manageable—but the effects are dire. At risk are:PneumoniaEncephalitis (inflammation of the brain)BlindnessDeath, especially among children and immunodepressed personsBecause of these risks, measles continues to be a high-level threat, especially where vaccination levels drop below herd immunity levels (traditionally deemed to be close to 95%).Vaccine Hesitancy Measles Crisis: Understanding the Measles Elimination Status RiskFederal, state, and local health officials are stepping up to:Boost vaccination levels, particularly for school-age childrenInitiate public awareness campaigns to counteract vaccine misinformationEnforce stronger immunization requirements in schools and public institutionsStrengthen port of entry and domestic travel hub surveillance and outbreak responseExperts emphasize that measles elimination remains within reach — but only if immediate action is taken to address the recent downturn in immunization confidence and expand access in underserved communities.The return of measles in the United States is a wake-up call, not only for this country but also internationally. A disease that was declared eliminated is now re-emerging almost entirely because of preventable reasons such as vaccine reluctance and international travel in a world that is still coming out of COVID-19's shadow.The current trajectory of data strongly implies that, absent of immediate public health measures, the U.S. might soon record its highest number of measles cases for any given year since 1992—a chastening moment for a country that was once at the forefront of measles control.

us faces biggest measles spike in three decades- what’s driving the surge?

Aarushi Bhadury

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Man Suffered Blurry Vision For 8 Months, Until Doctor Found A Parasite Living In His Eye

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World Mosquito Day 2025: Dengue Transmission Isn’t One-Way, Humans Infect Mosquitoes Too

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What is Chocolate Cyst? (Credit - Canva)

Bindi Irwin's Endometriosis Journey (Credit - Bindi Irwin Instagram)

Australian TV star <span>Bindi Irwin</span>, famous as the daughter of the "Crocodile Hunter" <span>Steve Irwin</span>, is speaking out about her long and painful battle with <span>endometriosis</span>. After a decade of suffering, she recently shared that she is "genuinely healing" after undergoing surgery to remove 51 lesions, a cyst, and her appendix. The 27-year-old said she is "slowly gaining my strength back" and "beginning to recognize myself again." 

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows outside of it, often in places like the ovaries and fallopian tubes. This can lead to severe pain during periods, sexual intercourse, and bowel movements, along with bloating, nausea, and extreme tiredness. About one in ten women have this condition, yet it is often misunderstood. 

Irwin's story has brought a lot of attention to the issue. She shared that for years, she was told her pain was "just part of being a woman," which made her feel "ashamed" and "weak." Now, she is pushing for a change, writing on Instagram, "We need to take away the stigma of talking about women's health. It's time to have open discussions and make change on a global scale."

<h2>What Is <span rel="noindex">Chocolate Cyst</span>?</h2>

The Cleveland Clinic explains that when the endometriosis tissue attaches to an ovary, it can form a type of cyst called an endometrioma. These cysts are often filled with a thick, brownish fluid, which is why they are sometimes called "chocolate cysts." An endometrioma can be a sign that a person has a more severe form of endometriosis. 

The most common symptom of endometrioma is pelvic pain, which can happen at any time, not just during a period. Other symptoms can include: 

<ul><li>Very painful periods.</li><li>Pain during sex.</li><li>Pain when using the bathroom.</li><li>Feeling the need to pee more often.</li><li>Back pain.</li><li>Nausea, vomiting, and bloating.</li></ul>

Endometriomas can be very small or grow quite large, affecting one or both ovaries. It's not clear what exactly causes them, but one popular theory is retrograde menstruation. This is when some of the tissue shed during a period flows backward through the fallopian tubes and attaches to the ovaries. This tissue then thickens and bleeds with each menstrual cycle, causing inflammation and forming the cyst. About 10% of people who get periods have endometriosis, and a significant portion of them—between 17% and 44%—will develop endometriomas. 

If an endometrioma is causing pain, is large, or is affecting a person's ability to get pregnant, there are treatments available to help. 

<h2>Why Do Endometriosis Diagnosis Take Years? </h2>

In March of 2023, Bindi shared her decade-long struggle with endometriosis, a painful condition that left her with constant fatigue, pain, and nausea. She decided to go public with her story to help other women who might be suffering in silence. 

However, this is not an isolated incident, many women go through years of pain. According to 2024 British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology study reviewed 17 different publications. It found that the time it takes to get a diagnosis for endometriosis can range from just a few months to 12 years. This long wait depends on where a person lives and their specific health issues. 

The main conclusion is that a long wait for a diagnosis is still a major problem. The study suggests this delay is mostly due to doctors and a lack of clear understanding of the disease. 

Bindi ended her post saying women and girls should not feel ashamed of their pain, “We need to take away the stigma of talking about women’s health. It’s time to have open discussions and make change on a global scale.” 

bindi irwin

Endometriosis

Steve Irwin

Chocolate Cyst

Bindi Irwin Endometriosis

Steve Irwin daughter

womens reproductive health

Reproductive health

Australian TV star Bindi Irwin, famous as the daughter of the "Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin, is speaking out about her long and painful battle with endometriosis. After a decade of suffering, she recently shared that she is "genuinely healing" after undergoing surgery to remove 51 lesions, a cyst, and her appendix. The 27-year-old said she is "slowly gaining my strength back" and "beginning to recognize myself again." What Is Endometriosis?Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows outside of it, often in places like the ovaries and fallopian tubes. This can lead to severe pain during periods, sexual intercourse, and bowel movements, along with bloating, nausea, and extreme tiredness. About one in ten women have this condition, yet it is often misunderstood. Irwin's story has brought a lot of attention to the issue. She shared that for years, she was told her pain was "just part of being a woman," which made her feel "ashamed" and "weak." Now, she is pushing for a change, writing on Instagram, "We need to take away the stigma of talking about women's health. It's time to have open discussions and make change on a global scale."What Is Chocolate Cyst?The Cleveland Clinic explains that when the endometriosis tissue attaches to an ovary, it can form a type of cyst called an endometrioma. These cysts are often filled with a thick, brownish fluid, which is why they are sometimes called "chocolate cysts." An endometrioma can be a sign that a person has a more severe form of endometriosis. The most common symptom of endometrioma is pelvic pain, which can happen at any time, not just during a period. Other symptoms can include: Very painful periods.Pain during sex.Pain when using the bathroom.Feeling the need to pee more often.Back pain.Nausea, vomiting, and bloating.Endometriomas can be very small or grow quite large, affecting one or both ovaries. It's not clear what exactly causes them, but one popular theory is retrograde menstruation. This is when some of the tissue shed during a period flows backward through the fallopian tubes and attaches to the ovaries. This tissue then thickens and bleeds with each menstrual cycle, causing inflammation and forming the cyst. About 10% of people who get periods have endometriosis, and a significant portion of them—between 17% and 44%—will develop endometriomas. If an endometrioma is causing pain, is large, or is affecting a person's ability to get pregnant, there are treatments available to help. Why Do Endometriosis Diagnosis Take Years? In March of 2023, Bindi shared her decade-long struggle with endometriosis, a painful condition that left her with constant fatigue, pain, and nausea. She decided to go public with her story to help other women who might be suffering in silence. However, this is not an isolated incident, many women go through years of pain. According to 2024 British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology study reviewed 17 different publications. It found that the time it takes to get a diagnosis for endometriosis can range from just a few months to 12 years. This long wait depends on where a person lives and their specific health issues. The main conclusion is that a long wait for a diagnosis is still a major problem. The study suggests this delay is mostly due to doctors and a lack of clear understanding of the disease. Bindi ended her post saying women and girls should not feel ashamed of their pain, “We need to take away the stigma of talking about women’s health. It’s time to have open discussions and make change on a global scale.” 

bindi irwin's endometriosis journey 'after 51 lesions, chocolate cyst, 2 surgeries and hernia... i'm finally feeling better’

Yes! Cats Have Dementia, And They Could Be The Key To Dementia Care For Humans

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How Can Cats Help Us Treat Dementia (Credit - Canva)

A new study from the University of Edinburgh found that the brains of cats with <span>dementia</span> show changes very similar to those seen in humans with Alzheimer's disease. These findings are a big step forward and could lead to new treatments for both people and pets. For the first time, researchers can see how the brains of cats naturally change as they get older and develop dementia, which provides a much more realistic picture of the disease than previous research has been able to. This discovery is a huge breakthrough because it offers a new way to study the disease and find better treatments. 

<h2>How Can Cats Help Us Treat Dementia? </h2>

In the past, scientists have relied on genetically modified rodents to study Alzheimer's. However, rodents do not naturally get dementia. Cats, on the other hand, do. They also show similar symptoms to humans, such as confusion and changes in sleep patterns. Because of these similarities, cats provide a more accurate and natural model for studying the disease. 

Dr. Robert McGeachan, the study's lead researcher, said that because cats naturally develop these brain changes, they may help scientists explore whether promising new treatments for human Alzheimer’s could also help our aging pets. This research benefits both species and their caregivers. 

<h2>What Does Cat Dementia Reveal About Humans? </h2>

Scientists at the University of Edinburgh examined the brains of 25 cats after they passed away. They found that older cats and those with dementia had a build-up of a toxic protein called amyloid-beta. This protein is a key sign of Alzheimer’s disease. 

The research showed that this protein was found in the synapses—the connections between brain cells. These connections are essential for healthy brain function. When they are lost, a person's memory and thinking skills decline. 

The research also discovered that some support cells in the cats' brains were "eating" these damaged synapses. This process, known as synaptic pruning, is a normal part of brain development but can contribute to the loss of synapses in dementia. 

<a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/meet-doctor-peyo-the-therapy-horse-who-is-changing-end-of-life-care-article-151644741" data-type="tilCustomLink"><strong>Also Read: Meet 'Doctor Peyo' - The Therapy Horse Who Is Changing End-of-Life Care</strong></a>

Dementia is a very common disease among older people, and since the elderly population is growing quickly worldwide, the number of people living with dementia is expected to increase. A study published in the Journal of the Neurological Sciences journal, based in Wales, UK, looked at medical records from 1999 to 2018 to understand this trend. The study included over 161,000 dementia diagnoses from nearly 117,000 people. The study found a few important things: 

The average age for a dementia diagnosis has been going up. This means fewer younger people are being diagnosed with the disease. 

The number of new dementia cases has risen and so has the total number of people living with the disease. The study also found that people with dementia are living longer than they used to, even with their diagnosis. 

This is not just limited to the UK, dementia cases in the US are also estimated to double by 2060. Published in the journal Nature Medicine, followed nearly 16,000 Americans since 1987, found that the overall lifetime risk for developing dementia for a middle-aged American is 42 percent. 

This risk is higher for women (48 percent) than for men (35 percent), mainly because women tend to live longer. The risk also increases with age, rising to over 50 percent for people who live to be 75. The study's authors believe that previous estimates were too low because of poor record-keeping and a lack of data on early-stage cases and racial minorities. 

According to the study, preventing heart diseases like high blood pressure and diabetes can also help slow cognitive decline and prevent dementia. Other factors linked to a higher risk include obesity, unhealthy diets, lack of exercise, and poor mental health. 

dementia

cats have dementia

Dementia Treatment

Pet News

Dementia News

Alzheimers disease

Brain Health

A new study from the University of Edinburgh found that the brains of cats with dementia show changes very similar to those seen in humans with Alzheimer's disease. These findings are a big step forward and could lead to new treatments for both people and pets. For the first time, researchers can see how the brains of cats naturally change as they get older and develop dementia, which provides a much more realistic picture of the disease than previous research has been able to. This discovery is a huge breakthrough because it offers a new way to study the disease and find better treatments. How Can Cats Help Us Treat Dementia? In the past, scientists have relied on genetically modified rodents to study Alzheimer's. However, rodents do not naturally get dementia. Cats, on the other hand, do. They also show similar symptoms to humans, such as confusion and changes in sleep patterns. Because of these similarities, cats provide a more accurate and natural model for studying the disease. Dr. Robert McGeachan, the study's lead researcher, said that because cats naturally develop these brain changes, they may help scientists explore whether promising new treatments for human Alzheimer’s could also help our aging pets. This research benefits both species and their caregivers.     What Does Cat Dementia Reveal About Humans? Scientists at the University of Edinburgh examined the brains of 25 cats after they passed away. They found that older cats and those with dementia had a build-up of a toxic protein called amyloid-beta. This protein is a key sign of Alzheimer’s disease. The research showed that this protein was found in the synapses—the connections between brain cells. These connections are essential for healthy brain function. When they are lost, a person's memory and thinking skills decline. The research also discovered that some support cells in the cats' brains were "eating" these damaged synapses. This process, known as synaptic pruning, is a normal part of brain development but can contribute to the loss of synapses in dementia. Also Read: Meet 'Doctor Peyo' - The Therapy Horse Who Is Changing End-of-Life CareWhy Is Dementia On The Rise? Dementia is a very common disease among older people, and since the elderly population is growing quickly worldwide, the number of people living with dementia is expected to increase. A study published in the Journal of the Neurological Sciences journal, based in Wales, UK, looked at medical records from 1999 to 2018 to understand this trend. The study included over 161,000 dementia diagnoses from nearly 117,000 people. The study found a few important things: Older Age at Diagnosis The average age for a dementia diagnosis has been going up. This means fewer younger people are being diagnosed with the disease. More Cases and Longer Lives The number of new dementia cases has risen and so has the total number of people living with the disease. The study also found that people with dementia are living longer than they used to, even with their diagnosis. This is not just limited to the UK, dementia cases in the US are also estimated to double by 2060. Published in the journal Nature Medicine, followed nearly 16,000 Americans since 1987, found that the overall lifetime risk for developing dementia for a middle-aged American is 42 percent. This risk is higher for women (48 percent) than for men (35 percent), mainly because women tend to live longer. The risk also increases with age, rising to over 50 percent for people who live to be 75. The study's authors believe that previous estimates were too low because of poor record-keeping and a lack of data on early-stage cases and racial minorities. According to the study, preventing heart diseases like high blood pressure and diabetes can also help slow cognitive decline and prevent dementia. Other factors linked to a higher risk include obesity, unhealthy diets, lack of exercise, and poor mental health. 

yes! cats have dementia, and they could be the key to dementia care for humans

Ishita Roy

California Resident Tests Positive For Plague, Officials Trace Case Back To Lake Tahoe Flea

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<strong><span rel="noindex">Bubonic Plague</span></strong><strong>:</strong> A Lak Tahoe area resident has tested positive for plague, as confirmed by the California health officials on Tuesday. The officials have confirmed that the resident was infected after being bitten by an infected flea while camping in the South Lake Tahoe area. 

What does this mean for people living in the surround area? Questions about plague, how is it spread, or is it preventable are of course spiraling in everyone's mind right now. 

Here, we try to answer all your concerns. 

<h2><span rel="noindex">California Resident Plague</span> Case 2025</h2>

What happened? The health officials in California confirmed that a South Lake Tahoe resident tested positive for the plague. This is the same centuries-old disease that had killed millions during the Black Death. 

The individual is believed to have contracted the infection after being bitten by an infected flea while camping near the Lake Tahoe Basin. According to El Dorado County Public Health, the patient is receiving care and recovering at home.

“Plague is naturally present in many parts of California, including higher-elevation areas of El Dorado County,” said Kyle Fliflet, the county’s acting public health director. “It’s important that individuals take precautions for themselves and their pets when outdoors, especially while walking, hiking and camping in areas where wild rodents are present.”

<strong>Also Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/california-resident-lake-tahoe-tests-positive-for-plague-what-does-bubonic-plague-the-black-death-from-rodents-teach-us-are-there-more-than-one-type-of-plague-article-152498883" data-type="tilCustomLink">What History Teaches Us About Plague? Are There More Than One Type?</a></strong>

<strong>Plague: </strong>It is an illness that you can get from the bacterium Yersinia pestis or the Y pestis. It is a zoonotic disease, which means you can get it from animals and they also can get it from you. The disease usually spreads through bites from fleas that have been infected by biting an infected animal.

<strong>Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/california-resident-tests-positive-for-plague-officials-trace-case-back-to-lake-tahoe-flea-article-152497808" data-type="tilCustomLink">California Resident Tests Positive For Plague, Officials Trace Case Back To Lake Tahoe Flea</a></strong>

<h2><span rel="noindex">Is The Bubonic Plague Back</span>?</h2>

The Global Center for Health Security, by the University of Nebraska Medical Center notes that the bubonic plague never really went away. 

The bubonic plague wiped out tens of millions of people in Europe in the 14th century and it thus gained the label 'Black Death'. 

Last year too, a rare case of human plague was confirmed in rural Oregon, as confirmed by the Deschutes County Health Services. As per the report the individual is said to be infected by a pet car, which had symptoms. 

As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), US, on an average, seven human plague cases are reported each year in the country. 

<h2><span rel="noindex">Is Bubonic Plague Contagious</span>?</h2>

As per the World Health Organization (WHO), while not totally eradicated, "human to human transmission of bubonic plague is rare". However, bubonic plague is contagious. 

The CDC notes that people usually get plague after being bitten by an infected rodent flea or by handling an infected animal. People can also become infected through exposure to sick pets, especially cats, which had been the case from Oregon, last year. 

There are 3 ways a plague can spread, through animals, through blood, and through infectious droplets. However, all three different ways make for three different kinds of plagues. For bubonic plague, it is spread by flea bites, notes CDC. 

Flea bites: Infected fleas transmit plague after feeding on sick rodents. When rodents die, fleas look for new hosts, including humans and pets, potentially causing bubonic or septicemic plague.

Contaminated fluids/tissues: Handling infected animals, such as skinning animals without protection, can spread plague bacteria, usually leading to bubonic or septicemic plague.

Infectious droplets: Plague pneumonia in humans or animals can release bacteria into the air. Inhaling these droplets may cause pneumonic plague, though direct close contact is usually required. Cats are especially vulnerable and can pass the infection to people.

<h2><span rel="noindex">Bubonic Plague Symptoms</span></h2>

<h3>The common signs of bubonic plague are:</h3>

<ul><li>Fever</li><li>Headache</li><li>Chills</li><li>Weakness</li><li>One or more swollen, painful lymph nodes, called buboes (where the disease derives its name from)</li></ul>

<h3>These symptoms of bubonic plague usually start within the period of 2 to 8 days after being bitten. </h3>

The bacteria multiply in a lymph node near where the bacteria entered the human body. If the patient is not treated with the appropriate antibiotics, the bacteria can spread to other parts of the body. 

<h2><span rel="noindex">Bubonic Plague Mortality Rate</span></h2>

Bubonic Plague: A Lak Tahoe area resident has tested positive for plague, as confirmed by the California health officials on Tuesday. The officials have confirmed that the resident was infected after being bitten by an infected flea while camping in the South Lake Tahoe area. What does this mean for people living in the surround area? Questions about plague, how is it spread, or is it preventable are of course spiraling in everyone's mind right now. Here, we try to answer all your concerns. California Resident Plague Case 2025What happened? The health officials in California confirmed that a South Lake Tahoe resident tested positive for the plague. This is the same centuries-old disease that had killed millions during the Black Death. The individual is believed to have contracted the infection after being bitten by an infected flea while camping near the Lake Tahoe Basin. According to El Dorado County Public Health, the patient is receiving care and recovering at home.“Plague is naturally present in many parts of California, including higher-elevation areas of El Dorado County,” said Kyle Fliflet, the county’s acting public health director. “It’s important that individuals take precautions for themselves and their pets when outdoors, especially while walking, hiking and camping in areas where wild rodents are present.”Also Read: What History Teaches Us About Plague? Are There More Than One Type?Plague: It is an illness that you can get from the bacterium Yersinia pestis or the Y pestis. It is a zoonotic disease, which means you can get it from animals and they also can get it from you. The disease usually spreads through bites from fleas that have been infected by biting an infected animal.Read: California Resident Tests Positive For Plague, Officials Trace Case Back To Lake Tahoe FleaIs The Bubonic Plague Back?The Global Center for Health Security, by the University of Nebraska Medical Center notes that the bubonic plague never really went away. The bubonic plague wiped out tens of millions of people in Europe in the 14th century and it thus gained the label 'Black Death'. Last year too, a rare case of human plague was confirmed in rural Oregon, as confirmed by the Deschutes County Health Services. As per the report the individual is said to be infected by a pet car, which had symptoms. As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), US, on an average, seven human plague cases are reported each year in the country. Is Bubonic Plague Contagious?As per the World Health Organization (WHO), while not totally eradicated, "human to human transmission of bubonic plague is rare". However, bubonic plague is contagious. The CDC notes that people usually get plague after being bitten by an infected rodent flea or by handling an infected animal. People can also become infected through exposure to sick pets, especially cats, which had been the case from Oregon, last year. There are 3 ways a plague can spread, through animals, through blood, and through infectious droplets. However, all three different ways make for three different kinds of plagues. For bubonic plague, it is spread by flea bites, notes CDC. Flea bites: Infected fleas transmit plague after feeding on sick rodents. When rodents die, fleas look for new hosts, including humans and pets, potentially causing bubonic or septicemic plague.Contaminated fluids/tissues: Handling infected animals, such as skinning animals without protection, can spread plague bacteria, usually leading to bubonic or septicemic plague.Infectious droplets: Plague pneumonia in humans or animals can release bacteria into the air. Inhaling these droplets may cause pneumonic plague, though direct close contact is usually required. Cats are especially vulnerable and can pass the infection to people.Bubonic Plague SymptomsThe common signs of bubonic plague are:FeverHeadacheChillsWeaknessOne or more swollen, painful lymph nodes, called buboes (where the disease derives its name from)These symptoms of bubonic plague usually start within the period of 2 to 8 days after being bitten. The bacteria multiply in a lymph node near where the bacteria entered the human body. If the patient is not treated with the appropriate antibiotics, the bacteria can spread to other parts of the body. Bubonic Plague Mortality RateAs per EBSCO, a platform that provides research databases, e-journals and other library resources, the bubonic plague has a historically high case fatality ratio from about 30 to 60%. However, today, with the help of treatment, it can be reduced to 5% to 15%. The CDC notes that over 80% of the US plague cases have been in bubonic form, with seven cases each year. Plague has occurred in people across all ages, though 50% of cases happen in people aged 12 to 45. CDC notes that while it happens to both men and women, the plague is more common in men, probably "because of increased outdoor activities that put them at higher risk".

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