A resident of Coconino County, which includes Flagstaff, has died from pneumonic plague, marking the first recorded death in the region since 2007. According to health officials, the incident is a rare occurrence, with about seven cases reported annually in the US.
Pneumonic plague is a bacterial infection that can be deadly and easily treatable with antibiotics. It spreads through flea bites or contact with infected bodily fluids. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report most cases occurring in rural areas of northern New Mexico, northern Arizona, southern Colorado, California, southern Oregon, and far western Nevada.
While the bubonic plague is more common, pneumonic plague is more deadly and easily transmissible. Health experts advise taking extra precautions when handling dead or sick animals to prevent transmission. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of prevention and awareness in areas prone to plague outbreaks.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/pneumonic-plague-death-arizona-2c32ed6bd4a86be3d38828fe69aeb68b