A resident in Coconino County, Arizona, has succumbed to pneumonic plague, marking the first such fatality in the region since 2007.
Health officials announced on Friday that an individual in northern Arizona died from this rare but serious bacterial infection. The identity of the victim and specific details surrounding the case have not been disclosed at this time.
The Plague, although uncommon in the United States, affects an average of seven individuals annually, primarily in western states. This information is provided by federal health authorities, who closely monitor such occurrences.
The plague manifests in three forms: bubonic, the most common type; septicemic, which spreads throughout the body; and pneumonic, affecting the lungs and considered the most lethal and contagious variant.
This is the same disease responsible for the deaths of tens of millions in 14th-century Europe. However, medical advancements now allow for effective treatment with antibiotics when diagnosed promptly.
According to reliable sources, transmission typically occurs through the bites of infected fleas, which can spread the bacteria between rodents, pets, and humans. Health experts advise caution when handling sick or deceased animals, as direct contact with infected bodily fluids poses a risk.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that most cases in the United States occur in rural areas of northern New Mexico, northern Arizona, southern Colorado, California, southern Oregon, and far western Nevada.
This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing presence of historically significant diseases in our modern world.
