Coconino County Health and Human Services confirms that the tragic incident is the first recorded death from the disease in the region since 2007.
Arizona Man Succumbs to Pneumonic Plague, Marking County’s First Death Since 2007
Arizona Man Succumbs to Pneumonic Plague, Marking County’s First Death Since 2007
A Coconino County resident has died from pneumonic plague, stirring concerns among health officials.
A resident of Arizona has been confirmed dead from pneumonic plague, according to health officials. This unfortunate death marks the first case in Coconino County since 2007, where a previous victim had contracted the disease through contact with an infected animal. Plague, infamous for its role in the "Black Death" that swept through Europe in the 14th century, is now considered rare among humans, with effective treatment available via antibiotics.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that an average of seven human plague cases are documented annually in the United States. Coconino County reassured the public that the risk of exposure remains minimal. "Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the deceased,” stated Patrice Horstman, Chair of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors. “We are keeping them in our thoughts during this difficult time. Out of respect for the family, no additional information about the death will be released.”
Pneumonic plague represents a severe lung infection caused by the Yersinia pestis bacterium, and while there are various forms of the plague, pneumonic is the most critical. Typically, it arises from untreated cases of another type, such as bubonic plague, which results from flea bites. The symptoms of bubonic plague generally emerge between two to eight days following exposure, with common indicators including fever, chills, headaches, weakness, and swollen lymph nodes.
Presently, the UK has seen an absence of plague cases, with officials deeming the possibility of infection among returning citizens to be very low. To prevent incidents of plague, health authorities recommend using DEET-based insect repellent for flea bites, steering clear of deceased animals, infected samples, and avoiding close contact with symptomatic patients, particularly in areas with recent reports of cases.
