![Man Catches ‘The Black Death’ After Saving Mouse from Cat](http://wac.450f.edgecastcdn.net/80450F/thefw.com/files/2012/06/Man-Catches-Bubonic-Plague-After-Saving-Mouse-from-Cat.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Man Catches ‘The Black Death’ After Saving Mouse from Cat
As definitive proof that no good deed goes unpunished, an unidentified Oregon man in his 50s has contracted the plague after rescuing a mouse from the jaws of a cat. Gah! Next time, just let nature take its course, pal.
The man, who was bitten on the hand on June 2nd as he pulled the mouse from the mouth of a stray cat, is currently listed in critical condition and being treated with antibiotics at St. Charles Medical Center-Bend.
The bubonic plague, also known as the Black Death, killed at least one-third of Europe’s population in the 14th Century. And although 1,000-3,000 cases are still reported worldwide each year, the plague is incredibly rare in the state of Oregon. In fact, only five people have contracted the disease there since 1995.
As for preventing the disease, Oregon’s public health veterinarian Emilio De Bess said: “Taking a mouse out of a cat’s mouth is probably not a good idea.” We’ll try to remember that, thanks.
More From Newstalk KGVO 1290 AM & 98.3 FM
![New Report Shows More Economic Stability is Needed for Montana Families](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2021/06/attachment-RS11609_120749510.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Missoula Search and Rescue Find Missing 80-Year-Old Hunter](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2017/11/IMG_1383.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Here’s a Glimpse at Just How Bad the Air in Seeley Lake Has Been](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2017/08/AQI_table.png?w=980&q=75)
![Healthy Kids Day Coming Up This Weekend](http://townsquare.media/site/117/files/2017/04/RS15519_484713366-scr.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Montana State Insurance Commissioner Asks Congress For More Flexibility in Medicaid Expansion Requirements](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2013/02/medicaid-money.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Little Girl in Bonner Holding Spaghetti Feed for Medical Expenses](http://townsquare.media/site/117/files/2016/05/avah.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Free Dental Care During Dentistry Days in Plains, MT](http://townsquare.media/site/117/files/2016/04/RS4826_119722057-scr.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![High Percentage of Montana High School Students Currently Using E-Cigs, Warns Health Department](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2016/02/E-cig1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Food Vendor Punished For 2014 Fair Foul Will Return in 2016](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2014/08/WESTERN-MONTANA-FAIR-FOOD-VENDORS-jpg-NBC-Montana.jpg?w=980&q=75)