A recent death from pneumonic plague in northern Arizona serves as a reminder that the flea-borne disease is still present in certain regions of the U.S. Health officials confirmed the death was caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, particularly rare with only an average of seven human cases reported annually. Y. pestis has been endemic to western U.S. rodents since arriving around 1900. Experts emphasize the rarity of such infections but acknowledge the public health implications with a tragic tone.
A person in northern Arizona died of pneumonic plague, a severe lung infection caused by Yersinia pestis, highlighting the disease's persistent presence in parts of the U.S.
Infections and fatalities from plague are rare in the U.S., with an average of seven cases reported annually according to the CDC.
Y. pestis became endemic to rats and other rodents in the U.S. around 1900, affecting states like New Mexico, Arizona, and California.
Health experts stress that while it is tragic a person died, plague infections are extremely rare, and public focus should prioritize more common dangers.
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