Resident of Northern Arizona succumbs to the plague
In a recent development, health authorities in northern Arizona are urging caution and precautions following the confirmation of a resident's death from pneumonic plague, the first such case in the county since 2007. The incident occurred in Coconino County, which includes the city of Flagstaff.
Pneumonic plague, a highly infectious form of the bacterial disease, affects the lungs and is known to be the most deadly and easiest to spread. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), on average, about seven cases of pneumonic plague are reported annually in the U.S., primarily in western states such as northern New Mexico, northern Arizona, southern Colorado, California, southern Oregon, and far western Nevada.
The CDC advises several measures to prevent and control plague outbreaks, particularly in endemic areas. These measures include avoiding flea bites by using insect repellents containing DEET and wearing protective clothing. When handling wild or potentially infected animals, it is crucial to wear gloves and take precautions, as plague bacteria can be transmitted through contact with infected tissues or fluids.
In addition, flea control products should be used on pets to reduce the risk of plague transmission through fleas that infest pets, particularly cats, which are susceptible to plague and can spread pneumonic plague through close contact. Health experts also recommend reporting sightings of sick or dead rodents to local public health authorities promptly to enable surveillance and control measures.
If symptoms consistent with plague appear, such as severe respiratory illness, especially in endemic areas, immediate medical care should be sought. Early treatment with antibiotics is highly effective against plague. It is also essential to limit exposure and notify healthcare providers in advance if plague infection is suspected, to help prevent secondary spread and allow prompt initiation of precautions and treatment.
Practicing standard respiratory precautions is also crucial because pneumonic plague can be transmitted from person to person through respiratory droplets during coughing or sneezing, although such transmission is rare in the U.S. Lastly, to reduce contact with infected wildlife and fleas, it is advisable to avoid allowing pets to roam freely in plague-endemic areas.
It is important to note that there is currently no commercially available plague vaccine in the U.S. The CDC notes that vaccines exist for high-risk groups like laboratory workers, but they are not expected to be widely available soon.
The recent incident serves as a reminder of the importance of taking precautions in areas where plague is endemic. Health authorities urge everyone to be vigilant and follow the recommended measures to prevent the spread of this potentially deadly disease.
Pneumonic plague, a deadly and highly contagious disease that affects the lungs, requires immediate attention and adherence to medical-conditions prevention strategies, as presented by health-and-wellness experts. To avoid the transmission of pneumonic plague through contact with infected tissues, fluids, or respiratory droplets, it's crucial to follow the CDC's recommendations, which include using insect repellents, wearing protective clothing, practicing flea control on pets, and promptly reporting sightings of sick or dead rodents to local health authorities.
