On July 11, Arizona state officials confirmed a resident of Coconino County has died from pneumonic plague, the first recorded death from the severe infection since 2007, according to a news release from the county government.
The person died at Northern Arizona Healthcare’s Flagstaff Medical Center after “attempts to provide life-saving resuscitation” had failed, according to reports.
Pneumonic plague is a rare — but serious — illness related to bubonic plague, according to the CDC. It is the only form of plague that can spread from person to person. However, the risk of human-to-human transmission is very low, the release said.
The bacterium that causes plague, Yersinia pestis, can be transmitted to humans from an infected flea or animal. Officials recommend avoiding contact with wild animals and fleas, and seeking veterinary care for sick pets.
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