A person in Arizona has died from pneumonic plague, according to local health officials. This rare and deadly form of the disease occurs when the Yersinia pestis bacteria infects a person’s lungs.
The plague is generally rare, affecting around 1,000 to 2,000 people globally each year. In the US, there are typically only seven reported cases annually. Pneumonic plague is considered the most dangerous type and can be transmitted from person to person through coughing or sneezing, as well as through close contact with infected animals.
The World Health Organization has noted that plague is more commonly found in Africa, particularly in countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar, and Peru. In the US, cases are usually reported in rural areas of western states where plague is endemic.
To protect against pneumonic plague, people should avoid flea bites and exercise caution around animals that may be infected. While a vaccine is not currently available in the US, vaccination is recommended for high-risk groups globally, such as healthcare workers and laboratory personnel.
Source: https://time.com/7301920/pneumonic-plague-arizona-death