FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — A resident of northern Arizona has died from pneumonic plague, well being officers stated Friday.
Plague is uncommon to people, with on common about seven circumstances reported yearly within the U.S., most of them within the western states, in response to federal well being officers.
The dying in Coconino County, which incorporates Flagstaff, was the primary recorded dying from pneumonic plague since 2007, native officers stated. Additional particulars together with the establish of the sufferer weren’t launched.
Plague is a bacterial an infection recognized for killing tens of thousands and thousands in 14th century Europe. At this time, 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 canines and rats.
There are two different varieties: 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.
Individuals can even get plague by way of touching contaminated bodily fluids. Well being consultants advocate taking additional care when dealing with lifeless or sick animals.
Most circumstances occur in rural areas of northern New Mexico, northern Arizona, southern Colorado, California, southern Oregon and much western Nevada, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
