A New Mexico man has been diagnosed with the plague, marking the state's first confirmed human case for this year, as reported by local health officials. The patient, a 43-year-old resident from Valencia County, located just southwest of Albuquerque, was hospitalized due to the condition but has since been discharged, according to the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) on Monday.
Health officials believe the patient may have been exposed to the plague while camping in Rio Arriba County, which borders Colorado. This area is known for wildlife that can carry the disease. The NMDOH has not disclosed any other identifying information about the patient, including his name or race/ethnicity.
Many people envision the plague as a disease relegated to history, but, in reality, it continues to circulate among wildlife throughout the western United States. Dr. Erin Phipps, state public health veterinarian for the NMDOH, emphasized the importance of awareness, stating, “We’re not seeing an unusual pattern at this point, but it is an important reminder that plague does circulate in New Mexico.”
The plague is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, which primarily affects wild rodents such as wood rats, rock squirrels, ground squirrels, mice, prairie dogs, and chipmunks, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Humans can contract the disease through several means: being bitten by an infected flea, touching contaminated fluid or tissue from an infected animal, or inhaling droplets in the air. The CDC notes that person-to-person transmission of the plague has not been documented in the U.S. since 1924.
There are three recognized types of plague: bubonic plague, which is characterized by swollen lymph nodes (buboes); septicemic plague, occurring when the bacteria enter the bloodstream; and pneumonic plague, which affects the lungs. Dr. Phipps reported that the New Mexico patient was diagnosed with both septicemic and bubonic plague, presenting symptoms such as inflamed and painful lymph nodes along with a blood infection.
Common symptoms across all three types include headache, fever, and weakness, according to the CDC. Dr. Phipps explained that diagnosing the plague can be challenging since the symptoms often mimic those of other diseases. “If a person has the bubonic form of plague with that inflamed lymph node, that can point a clinician in the right direction quickly,” she noted. However, diagnosing septicemic or pneumonic plague without the presence of enlarged lymph nodes can complicate treatment.
It is critical for those infected to receive prompt treatment, as the plague can be fatal if not addressed swiftly. Fortunately, the plague is treatable with commonly available antibiotics, and the chances of full recovery significantly increase with early medical intervention, as highlighted by the CDC.
To reduce the risk of contracting the plague, the NMDOH recommends several precautionary measures: avoiding contact with sick or dead rodents and rabbits, cleaning up areas around the home that may harbor rodents, using insect repellent while outdoors, and storing hay and wood away from the house. Additionally, pet owners should have sick pets examined by a veterinarian immediately.
While this case marks the first human incidence of plague in New Mexico for 2023, it is not the first in the United States, highlighting the ongoing need for vigilance in areas where the disease still exists.
