Man dies of Bubonic plague in New Mexico: What to know
A New Mexico man has died after contracting the bubonic plague, the state’s well being division mentioned in a information launch final Friday.
It’s the first human case of plague in New Mexico since 2021 and the primary dying since 2020, in line with the New Mexico Division of Well being.
The person’s identify was not launched to the media, however the division of well being says the person resided in Lincoln County and that NMDOH employees is conducting outreach to space residents. The division of well being additionally mentioned an “environmental evaluation” may even be performed in the neighborhood to search for ongoing danger.
“We prolong our deepest sympathy to the household of the Lincoln County man who succumbed to plague,” mentioned State Public Well being Veterinarian Erin Phipps, DVM, MPH, within the information launch. “This tragic incident serves as a transparent reminder of the menace posed by this historical illness and emphasizes the necessity for heightened group consciousness and proactive measures to forestall its unfold.”
The dying comes a few month after a case of human bubonic plague was confirmed in Oregon and raised fears over the notorious illness. In Oregon, authorities confirmed the contaminated individual caught the plague from their home cat.
The contaminated individual was identified and handled early on, “posing little danger to the group,” in line with officers in Deschutes County, Oregon, the county during which the contaminated individual lives.
Bubonic plague in Oregon:An individual in Oregon caught bubonic plague from their cat. Why consultants say to not fear.
What’s the bubonic plague?
In line with the New Mexico Division of Well being, plague is a bacterial illness of rodents and is mostly unfold to people by the bites of contaminated fleas.
It may additionally unfold by direct contact with contaminated animals, together with rodents, wildlife and pets.
Signs of plague in people
The New Mexico Division of Well being says signs of plague in people embody sudden onset of fever, chills, headache and weak spot. Typically, there’s a painful swelling of the lymph node within the groin, armpit or neck areas.
In line with the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention, with out immediate remedy the illness could cause critical sickness or dying.
The CDC additionally mentioned human plague infections proceed to happen in rural areas within the western United States, however considerably extra circumstances happen in elements of Africa and Asia.
Signs of plague in pets
Plague signs in cats and canine embody fever, lethargy and lack of urge for food, in line with the New Mexico Division of Well being. There may be a swelling within the lymph node underneath the jaw.
Contributing: Cybele Mayes-Osterman & Jessica Onsurez, USA TODAY Community
