FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — A resident of northern Arizona has died from pneumonic plague, well being officers mentioned Friday.
Plague is uncommon to people, with on common about seven instances reported yearly within the U.S., most of them within the western states, in keeping with federal well being officers.
The demise in Coconino County, which incorporates Flagstaff, was the primary recorded demise from pneumonic plague since 2007, native officers mentioned. Additional particulars together with the determine of the sufferer weren’t launched.
Plague is a bacterial an infection identified for killing tens of thousands and thousands in 14th century Europe. At present, it’s simply handled with antibiotics.
The bubonic plague is the most typical type of the bacterial an infection, which spreads naturally amongst rodents like prairie canine and rats.
There are two different kinds: septicemic plague that spreads by way of the entire physique, and pneumonic plague that infects the lungs.
Pneumonic plague is essentially the most lethal and best to unfold.
The micro organism is transmitted by way of the bites of contaminated fleas that may unfold it between rodents, pets and people.
Folks may also get plague by way of touching contaminated bodily fluids. Well being specialists suggest taking further care when dealing with useless or sick animals.
Most instances occur in rural areas of northern New Mexico, northern Arizona, southern Colorado, California, southern Oregon and much western Nevada, in keeping with the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention.
