Health officials have reported that a man from New Mexico has succumbed to plague, marking the state’s first human fatality since 2020.
A man residing in Lincoln County, situated in the southeastern part of New Mexico, was hospitalized due to the disease and tragically succumbed to it, according to a recent press release by the New Mexico Department of Health.
Unfortunately, there was no additional information about the man, such as his name, age, or race/ethnicity.
According to the CDC, plague can be treated with antibiotics that are readily available. Seeking medical care early increases the chances of a full recovery.
The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) has stated that their staff members are actively contacting the residents of the area and will be carrying out an environmental assessment in the community in order to assess the level of risk.
According to the health department, the most recent case of the human plague in New Mexico occurred in 2021, and the affected individual was a resident of Torrance County. In the previous year, there were a total of four human cases reported. Among these, one case was documented in Santa Fe County, two in Torrance County, and unfortunately, one case in Rio Arriba County proved fatal.
Dr. Erin Phipps, a State Public Health Veterinarian, has highlighted that although the plague is commonly linked to the devastating loss of millions of lives in Europe during the Middle Ages, it is crucial to recognize that this disease has not been completely eradicated.
Plague, a disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, is known to naturally occur in the western United States. Specifically, it is found in rural and semi-rural areas of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah, as stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Plague primarily targets various species of wild rodents, such as wood rats, rock squirrels, ground squirrels, mice, prairie dogs, and chipmunks. The disease can be transmitted to humans through flea bites from infected rodents or direct contact with animals carrying the plague bacterium. This includes not only wild animals but also potentially infected pets.
According to Phipps, there are three types of plague: bubonic plague, characterized by the presence of swollen lymph nodes known as buboes; septicemic plague, which occurs when the bacteria invade the bloodstream; and pneumonic plague, which occurs when the infection spreads to the lungs.
In addition to headache, fever, chills, and weakness are also commonly experienced as other symptoms.
According to Phipps, the bubonic plague is characterized by enlarged lymph nodes, but its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases. This poses a challenge because the rarity of the plague means it is not always top of mind for people.
It is crucial to seek a diagnosis from a qualified physician in order to receive appropriate treatment, she emphasized.
According to Phipps, the disease used to claim the lives of two-thirds of those who contracted it before the advent of antibiotics. However, the current fatality rate for plague is around 10%, she added.
To reduce the risk of plague, the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) suggests taking measures to clean up areas around the home that could serve as habitats for rodents. It is important to prevent pets from roaming and hunting, as well as to store pet food in a way that does not attract rodents. Additionally, it is advisable to keep hay and wood at a distance from the house to minimize the likelihood of rodent infestation.
If your pet is feeling unwell, it is crucial to take them to a veterinarian for immediate examination. Similarly, if you are experiencing symptoms of an unexplained illness, it is important to consult with your doctor.
“People often underestimate the fact that the plague is still a present-day illness,” Phipps emphasized. “Every year, we encounter cases in the western United States. Our intention is to raise awareness so that we can promote early detection and prompt treatment.”
According to her, there is no need to be excessively worried about it, but it is important to keep it in mind. This will assist individuals in taking necessary precautions if they reside in regions with wildlife or in close proximity to wild rodent populations, particularly if they have pets both indoors and outdoors.
Just a month ago, health officials in Oregon reported that a resident had contracted the plague, possibly from their own cat. Now, there is news of another death linked to the plague, this time in New Mexico.
