In a heart-wrenching announcement, health officials in Coconino County, Arizona, confirmed the passing of a resident from pneumonic plague, marking the first fatality from this disease in the area in 16 years. The county's health services reported that the previous death due to the plague occurred in 2007 following exposure to an infected dead animal.
Pneumonic plague, which is caused by the Yersinia pestis bacterium, is a severe lung infection and can result from untreated forms of the plague. While the disease was infamously known as the "Black Death" in the 14th century, responsible for millions of deaths across Europe, it is now regarded as rare in humans, with an average of seven cases reported annually in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The Coconino County government assured the public that the risk of exposure remains low. Coconino County Board of Supervisors Chair Patrice Horstman extended condolences to the family of the deceased, opting not to disclose further details to respect their privacy during this challenging time.
Symptoms of bubonic plague typically emerge within two to eight days of exposure, presenting as fever, chills, headaches, weakness, and swollen lymph nodes. Pneumonic plague, being a more severe form, can develop quickly and demands immediate medical attention.
Preventive measures recommended by health officials include the use of DEET-based insect repellent to guard against flea bites, steering clear of contact with dead animals, and avoiding close interactions with symptomatic individuals or crowding in areas where cases have recently occurred. The UK government also noted that the plague is no longer prevalent, suggesting a very low likelihood of any cases arising from travelers returning to the country.
Pneumonic plague, which is caused by the Yersinia pestis bacterium, is a severe lung infection and can result from untreated forms of the plague. While the disease was infamously known as the "Black Death" in the 14th century, responsible for millions of deaths across Europe, it is now regarded as rare in humans, with an average of seven cases reported annually in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The Coconino County government assured the public that the risk of exposure remains low. Coconino County Board of Supervisors Chair Patrice Horstman extended condolences to the family of the deceased, opting not to disclose further details to respect their privacy during this challenging time.
Symptoms of bubonic plague typically emerge within two to eight days of exposure, presenting as fever, chills, headaches, weakness, and swollen lymph nodes. Pneumonic plague, being a more severe form, can develop quickly and demands immediate medical attention.
Preventive measures recommended by health officials include the use of DEET-based insect repellent to guard against flea bites, steering clear of contact with dead animals, and avoiding close interactions with symptomatic individuals or crowding in areas where cases have recently occurred. The UK government also noted that the plague is no longer prevalent, suggesting a very low likelihood of any cases arising from travelers returning to the country.
