A person recently died from pneumonic plague in Arizona, marking the first death from the disease in nearly two decades. This rare occurrence raises questions about the bacterium Yersinia pestis, which causes three types of plague: bubonic, septicemic, and pneumonic.
Pneumonic plague is a highly infectious form of the disease that affects the lungs. According to Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and clinical associate professor at George Washington University, pneumonic plague can be spread through airborne droplets when someone inhales contaminated saliva or mucus from an infected person or animal.
Symptoms of pneumonic plague include a rapidly progressing pneumonia, accompanied by shortness of breath, cough, and chest pain. While rare in the United States, with only seven reported cases per year, pneumonic plague has occurred in various parts of the world, particularly on the African continent.
Diagnosis is typically made through laboratory testing of blood, sputum, or swollen lymph nodes. Prompt recognition and treatment are crucial, as antibiotic therapies can reduce the case fatality rate to less than 10%.
Prevention measures include avoiding contact with wild animals, preventing rodent infestations by storing pet food in rodent-proof containers, and using insect repellents containing DEET when outdoors.
While rare, pneumonic plague is a serious disease that requires attention. Health experts stress that the risk to the public remains low, but taking preventive measures can help reduce exposure. Most Americans do not need to be concerned about pneumonic plague, as cases are extremely rare in the country.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/07/18/health/pneumonic-plague-bacteria-infection-wellness