New Mexico Man Dies from Plague, State’s First Human Fatality Since 2020

Man Dies in Lincoln County

A New Mexico man has died from plague in Lincoln County, located in the southeastern part of the state. This marks the state’s first human fatality due to the disease since 2020, according to health officials.

No other identifying information about the man was available, including his name, age, or race/ethnicity.

Plague, A Treatable Disease

Plague, caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, is treatable with commonly available antibiotics. The odds of a full recovery improve significantly if a patient seeks medical care early.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), plague naturally occurs in the western U.S. in rural and semi-rural areas of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah.

Disease Characteristics and Symptoms

Plague typically affects wild rodents such as wood rats, rock squirrels, ground squirrels, mice, prairie dogs, and chipmunks. Humans can contract the disease by being bitten by a rodent flea carrying the bacterium, or by direct contact with an infected animal, including pets.

There are three types of plague: bubonic plague, which causes enlarged lymph nodes called buboes; septicemic plague, which occurs when the bacteria enter the bloodstream; and pneumonic plague, which affects the lungs, causing respiratory infection.

Common plague symptoms include headache, fever, chills, weakness, and, in the case of bubonic plague, swollen lymph nodes.

Prevention and Awareness

To reduce the risk of plague, the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) advises residents to clean up areas near their homes where rodents could live, prevent pets from roaming and hunting rodents, and store pet food properly to avoid attracting rodents.

It is also recommended to keep hay and wood at a safe distance from the house.

If a pet shows signs of illness, it should be examined immediately by a veterinarian. Individuals experiencing unexplained illness should consult their doctor.

Plague Not a Disease of the Past

Dr. Erin Phipps, State Public Health Veterinarian, emphasizes that plague is not a disease of the past. Cases are reported in the western United States every year, and by increasing awareness, early diagnosis and treatment can be encouraged.

While not a cause for excessive anxiety, it is important for people living in wild areas or near wild rodent populations, especially those with pets, to be vigilant.

Diagnosis from a trained physician and antibiotic treatment have significantly reduced plague fatality rates, from two-thirds in the past to around 10% today.

Recent Cases in the United States

The news of the New Mexico man’s death follows a plague case in Oregon, where a resident is believed to have contracted the disease from their pet cat, as confirmed by health officials in the state.