An Arizona resident has died from pneumonic plague, marking the first recorded death from the disease in Coconino County since 2007. While the risk to the public is deemed low, health officials are urging people to adhere to preventive measures.
Arizona Man Succumbs to Rare Pneumonic Plague, Marking First Death in 16 Years
Arizona Man Succumbs to Rare Pneumonic Plague, Marking First Death in 16 Years
Health officials report a rare case of pneumonic plague leading to the death of an Arizona resident, highlighting ongoing health risks and preventive measures.
An Arizona resident has recently died from pneumonic plague, as confirmed by health officials on Friday. This unfortunate incident marks Coconino County’s first plague-related death since 2007, a case that also involved contact with a deceased infected animal, according to the Coconino County Health and Human Services department.
Plague, historically dubbed the "Black Death" during the 14th century, was responsible for the deaths of up to half of Europe’s population. Despite its grim history, the disease is now considered rare in humans, with an average of seven cases reported annually in the United States, as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Local governance expressed condolences, with Coconino County Board of Supervisors Chair Patrice Horstman offering thoughts and support to the deceased's family, emphasizing that no further details would be provided out of respect for their privacy.
Pneumonic plague is a severe lung infection caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. Different forms of plague exist, with bubonic plague being the most common, typically transmitted via flea bites. Pneumonic plague, however, is more dangerous and arises when the infection spreads to the lungs from other untreated forms. Symptoms of bubonic plague typically surface within two to eight days following exposure, presenting as fever, chills, headache, weakness, and swollen lymph nodes.
Authorities have reiterated that the risk of exposure to the general public remains low. The UK government additionally reports that plague is no longer present, and there’s a minimal chance of it affecting individuals returning to the country. Prevention strategies include utilizing DEET-based insect repellent to deter flea bites, steering clear of dead animals or infected materials, and maintaining distance from symptomatic individuals or crowded areas where plague cases have occurred recently.
Plague, historically dubbed the "Black Death" during the 14th century, was responsible for the deaths of up to half of Europe’s population. Despite its grim history, the disease is now considered rare in humans, with an average of seven cases reported annually in the United States, as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Local governance expressed condolences, with Coconino County Board of Supervisors Chair Patrice Horstman offering thoughts and support to the deceased's family, emphasizing that no further details would be provided out of respect for their privacy.
Pneumonic plague is a severe lung infection caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. Different forms of plague exist, with bubonic plague being the most common, typically transmitted via flea bites. Pneumonic plague, however, is more dangerous and arises when the infection spreads to the lungs from other untreated forms. Symptoms of bubonic plague typically surface within two to eight days following exposure, presenting as fever, chills, headache, weakness, and swollen lymph nodes.
Authorities have reiterated that the risk of exposure to the general public remains low. The UK government additionally reports that plague is no longer present, and there’s a minimal chance of it affecting individuals returning to the country. Prevention strategies include utilizing DEET-based insect repellent to deter flea bites, steering clear of dead animals or infected materials, and maintaining distance from symptomatic individuals or crowded areas where plague cases have occurred recently.
