The Wyoming Department of Health has announced the detection of a rare but serious case of pneumonic plague in a northern Fremont County resident. Plague is a bacterial infection that can be deadly to humans and other mammals, including pets, if not treated promptly with antibiotics.
This disease can be transmitted to humans from sick animals or by fleas coming from infected animals; in this case, the person had contact with sick pet cats. Plague can also be transmitted from person to person through close contact with someone who has pneumonic plague. Pneumonic Individuals with a known exposure to plague require post-exposure treatment with antibiotics to help prevent illness.
The Wyoming Department of Health is notifying individuals who may need this kind of treatment. Fortunately, State Health Officer and State Epidemiologist Dr. Alexia Harrist, says he risk for humans to contract plague is very low in Wyoming.
This human plague case is the seventh thought to be acquired in Wyoming since 1978. However, the disease has been documented throughout the state in domestic and wild animals and one out-of-state case in 2008 was attributed to a contact in Teton County.
- National Elk Refuge February 2026 Biological Update: Mild Winter Persists in Jackson Hole - February 9, 2026
- Wyoming Game and Fish Hosts Workshops on Elk Feedground Management Action Plans - February 9, 2026
- Jackson Town Council Considers Unmet Housing Grant Application for S4 Flats on January 20th - January 20, 2026