A resident of Coconino County, Arizona has died from pneumonic plague, Coconino County Health and Human Services reported. This is the first recorded death from the disease in the U.S. since 2007. The patient is said to have come into contact with a dead animal that carried the bacteria.
According to Patrice Horstman of the Coconino County Board, "Our thoughts are with the victim's family during their time of grief." Further details have not been released out of respect for the family.
The plague is a disease caused by Yersinia pestis, a type of bacteria. It can be contracted from the bite of an infected flea or from contact with an infected animal. Although it can be treated with antibiotics, early treatment is important to prevent serious consequences.
There are different types of plague such as bubonic and septicemic, but pneumonic plague is the most dangerous. It is the only type of plague that is transmitted from person to person through coughing or saliva.
The common symptoms of the plague are fever, headache, and fatigue. In the case of pneumonic plague, people may experience difficulty breathing, coughing, chest pain, and coughing up blood or water. Despite this, Coconino County said the risk of spread to the public is low.
