A person in northern Arizona has succumbed to a case of bubonic plague, as reported by local health officials. The unidentified individual was admitted to the Flagstaff Medical Center Emergency Department, where they tragically passed away on the same day. According to a statement from Northern Arizona Healthcare, the exact timing of the death remains unclear. Despite the hospital's efforts in providing appropriate initial management and life-saving resuscitation attempts, the patient did not survive.
Bubonic plague is infamous for decimating populations in Europe during the Middle Ages, but it is now considered rare. Nonetheless, some cases are reported annually in the rural western United States, as well as in specific regions across Africa and Asia, as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This serious disease is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, which affects both humans and other mammals. Symptoms typically manifest within two to six days post-infection and may include fever and swollen, painful lymph nodes, often located in the armpit, groin, and neck.
On average, the CDC reports about seven human cases of plague each year in the United States; however, not all of these cases result in fatalities. CDC data collected from 2000 to 2023 indicates that while serious, bubonic plague is often treatable. In the recent Arizona incident, rapid diagnostic testing confirmed a presumptive diagnosis of Yersinia pestis.
Humans typically contract the plague through a bite from an infected rodent flea or by handling animals that carry the disease, as per CDC guidelines. Fortunately, if antibiotics are administered promptly, the disease can be effectively treated. In light of this recent case, the hospital is collaborating with the Coconino County Health and Human Services Department and the Arizona Department of Health Services to investigate the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.
Northern Arizona Healthcare has urged anyone who suspects they might be suffering from a contagious disease to reach out to their healthcare provider. If symptoms are severe, it is crucial to visit the Emergency Department and request a mask to help prevent the potential spread of illness while receiving necessary medical care.
Earlier this week, the Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) reported a concerning die-off of prairie dogs in the Townsend Winona area, located northeast of Flagstaff. Health officials noted that such die-offs can serve as a significant indicator of plague presence. The affected area, situated on private land, is currently being monitored, with CCHHS working closely with the property owner to collect fleas for testing. Additionally, burrows in the vicinity will be treated to reduce flea activity.
