A resident of Coconino County, Arizona, has tragically died from pneumonic plague, according to health officials who confirmed the news on Friday. This marks the first recorded plague death in the area since 2007, when the disease was linked to contact with a deceased infected animal.
The bacterium Yersinia pestis is responsible for pneumonic plague, a serious lung infection. While the historical context of the plague, infamously known as the "Black Death," led to the deaths of up to half of Europe's population in the 14th century, it is now infrequently encountered in humans and is treatable with antibiotics. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports an average of seven cases of plague annually in the United States, highlighting its rarity.
In a statement, Patrice Horstman, Chair of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors, expressed condolences to the deceased’s family and friends while stressing the low public health risk. "We are keeping them in our thoughts during this difficult time," she said, adding that no further details regarding the deceased would be shared out of respect for the family.
Pneumonic plague, being more severe than bubonic plague—which is primarily transmitted via fleas—poses a greater health threat. Bubonic symptoms usually manifest within two to eight days following exposure and can include fever, chills, headaches, weakness, and swollen lymph nodes.
Notably, the plague is no longer found in the United Kingdom, with government authorities claiming a very minimal chance of its reoccurrence among returning travelers. Preventative measures advised by health officials include applying insect repellent containing DEET to guard against flea bites, steering clear of dead animals, and avoiding close contact with infected individuals or congested areas frequented by recent cases.
