A resident of Lincoln County, New Mexico, has died from the bubonic plague, the first human fatality in the state since 2020, prompting community awareness and preventive measures against the disease.
A man from Lincoln County, New Mexico, has died from the bubonic plague, marking the state’s first human fatality due to this disease since 2020. The man, whose identity has not been disclosed, succumbed to the illness in a hospital after initial hospitalization. Erin Phipps, the State Public Health Veterinarian, highlighted the importance of community awareness and preventive actions against the disease.
The bubonic plague, caused by bacterial infection, is mainly spread through flea bites or direct contact with infected animals, especially rodents. In response to this death, the New Mexico Department of Health has initiated community outreach to evaluate any potential public health risks. Early detection and antibiotic treatment are crucial steps to mitigate the mortality rate among humans and pets exposed to the plague.
To prevent the spread of the plague, the health department advises the public to stay away from sick or deceased rodents, restrict pets from roaming freely, and use veterinarian-recommended flea control products. They also emphasize the importance of promptly seeking veterinary care for ill pets and medical consultation for humans experiencing sudden fevers or other unexplained symptoms. This incident comes after a case in Oregon where a resident was believed to have contracted the plague from their symptomatic pet cat.
