India, Feb. 14 -- When climate subsequently becomes unfavorable, it facilitates collapse of plague-infected rodent populations, forcing their fleas to find alternative hosts, study shows

The Oregon Health Authority confirmed a rare case of the bubonic plague infecting a resident last week. The patient was likely infected by a pet cat that acquired the Yersinia pestis bacterium found in rodents and fleas.

Close contacts of the resident and the cat have been given medication beforehand to contain the spread. "Consult a veterinarian immediately if your cat becomes sick after being in contact with rodents," the authority warned in a press release.

In the mid-1300s, the bubonic plague was responsible for the pandemic that was infamously kno...