Coconino County has had a very sad week, with the first known death from pneumonic plague since 2007 occurring here. On the morning of 4/1, a patient presented to the Flagstaff Medical Center Emergency Department. Sadly, they lost their battle with their sickness the very same day. This frightening story serves as a reminder of the risks posed by this unusual but potentially deadly disease.
Pneumonic plague, which is rare today, is a serious lung infection that can develop from a previous case of bubonic or septicemic plague. Pneumonic plague can occur spontaneously, and this reality is essential to appreciate. It’s associated with the bubonic plague, which wiped out millions in Europe during the Middle Ages. With such a dramatic history, it is surprising to hear that the bubonic plague is not more common today. Indeed, a handful of such incidents occurs annually in rural western U.S. states.
Although infamous, plague is quite rare. On average, wildlife hosts infect only seven U.S. humans per year. While these infections may be life-threatening, they are not inevitably deadly. Humans usually become infected through bites from infected rodent fleas or by handling animals infected with the bacteria. Symptoms of the plague typically appear two to six days after infection. Symptoms typically start with fever and rapidly progressing, painful swelling of the lymph nodes, or buboes, primarily in the armpit, groin, or neck.
In fact, Coconino County Health and Human Services just this week announced a recent die-off of prairie dogs in the Townsend Winona area. This unusual event is a reminder that plague activity may be occurring in this part of the country. This incident has raised public health concerns and prompted officials to issue health advisories for residents.
“Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the deceased,” said Coconino County Board of Supervisors Chair Patrice Horstman. She emphasized the community’s support during this difficult time, stating, “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.”
In response to this particular incident, Northern Arizona Healthcare recommended people stay aware. They stated, “NAH would like to remind anyone who suspects they are ill with a contagious disease to contact their health care provider. If their illness is severe, they should go to the Emergency Department and immediately ask for a mask to help prevent the spread of disease while they access timely and important care.”
While health officials have their eye on the situation, they’re reminding residents to take preventive measures to avoid future outbreaks. Awareness and swift access to medical treatment are still critical in reducing the risks of this destructive disease.
