Unprecedented Death from the Plague in New Mexico Raises Concerns
Last week, a man in New Mexico became the first American in years to die from the plague, marking the first fatal case of the plague in the US since 2020. The man, who hails from Lincoln County just south of Albuquerque, succumbed to the deadly disease, although no other details about him have been released at this time.
The New Mexico Department of Health is actively conducting track and trace methods to identify if anyone else has been infected by the plague, a disease typically spread to humans through bites from fleas or rodents, as well as exposure to other dead animals. The majority of plague cases in the US since 1970 have been concentrated in the Four Corners area, which includes New Mexico, Utah, Arizona, and Colorado.
On average, about seven human plague cases are reported each year in the US, with most occurring in the Four Corners area. There are different types of plague including bubonic plague, pneumonic plague, and septicemic plague, each with varying symptoms and levels of severity. Symptoms of the plague can include fever, headache, chills, weakness, and respiratory issues. Although rare, plague can be fatal if left untreated.
To prevent plague, the CDC recommends reducing the risk of rodents entering homes, using repellent if exposed to fleas, and keeping pets free of fleas. The recent case in New Mexico highlights the ongoing risk of plague in certain areas of the US and the importance of early detection and treatment.
The New Mexico Department of Health estimates that 50 percent of plague cases in the US come from that state alone and plague occurs in a cyclical nature for reasons that are not completely understood. This recent case serves as a reminder of the continued presence of the plague in certain regions of the US and the need for vigilance in prevention and treatment.
