ARIZONA NEWSWIRE: Coconino County Reports First Plague Death Since 2007
Health officials have confirmed that a northern Arizona resident died on 11 July after contracting pneumonic plague.
The patient sought care at Flagstaff Medical Center’s emergency department and died the same day despite resuscitation efforts.
Rapid testing identified the bacterium Yersinia pestis, and Northern Arizona Healthcare notified state and county authorities.
Coconino County Health and Human Services said the case is the county’s first plague-related fatality since 2007.
Investigators are working with the Arizona Department of Health Services to determine how the individual became infected; officials noted the death is not linked to a recent prairie-dog die-off northeast of Flagstaff.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention records about seven human plague cases nationwide each year, most of which are non-fatal when treated promptly with antibiotics.
While the county assesses exposure risks, officials say the threat to the wider public remains low and urge residents to keep pets on leashes, use flea control and avoid contact with wild rodents.
MORE INFORMATION:
Pneumonic plague is a severe lung infection caused by the bacteria Yersinia pestis.
It is the most contagious and dangerous form of plague, as it can be spread through respiratory droplets from person to person.
Symptoms include fever, headache, weakness, and a bloody or watery cough. If left untreated, pneumonic plague is almost always fatal.
Key characteristics of pneumonic plague....
Cause: Yersinia pestis bacteria.
Transmission: Primarily through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Symptoms: Fever, headache, weakness, and a cough that may be bloody or watery.
Severity: Untreated pneumonic plague is almost always fatal.
Contagious: Highly contagious, with the potential for person-to-person spread.
Progression: Symptoms can rapidly progress to pneumonia, respiratory failure, and shock.
Treatment: Prompt antibiotic treatment is crucial and highly effective.
Prevention: Avoid contact with infected individuals and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms develop after potential exposure.
IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS:
Early Diagnosis and Treatment: Early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics are essential for survival.
Bioterrorism Threat: Pneumonic plague is considered a potential bioterrorism threat due to its high mortality rate and ease of transmission.
Public Health Response: Suspected cases require immediate notification of public health authorities for investigation and control measures.
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