Arizona resident dies from plague, health officials say

Health officials in Arizona have confirmed that a resident has died from pneumonic plague, marking the first death from this disease in the county since 2007. The last time someone died from plague in the area, it was because they had contact with a dead animal that was infected. Plague is a disease that has a long and deadly history. In the 14th century, it was known as the 'Black Death' and killed millions of people across Europe. Today, however, plague is very rare in humans and can usually be treated successfully with antibiotics. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are only about seven cases of human plague reported each year in the United States.

Coconino County officials have said that the risk to the general public is still very low. Patrice Horstman, the Chair of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors, expressed sympathy for the family and friends of the person who died, and said that no more details about the death would be released to protect the family's privacy. The plague is caused by a bacterium called Yersinia pestis. There are several forms of plague, but the most common is bubonic plague, which people usually get from the bite of an infected flea. Pneumonic plague, which is what caused the recent death, is more serious because it affects the lungs and can spread from person to person if not treated. This form of the disease is rare.

Symptoms of bubonic plague usually appear within two to eight days after someone is exposed. These symptoms can include fever, chills, headache, weakness, and swollen lymph nodes. The plague is no longer found in the United Kingdom, and health officials there say the chance of someone bringing it back is very low. To prevent getting the plague, experts recommend using insect repellent that contains DEET to avoid flea bites, not touching dead animals or anything that might be infected, and staying away from people who are sick or places where plague cases have been reported. Even though the plague is a serious disease, it is very rare today and can be treated with antibiotics if caught early. Health officials continue to monitor the situation and remind people to take simple steps to protect themselves.