The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) has reported the death of a man from Lincoln County due to bubonic plague. This marks the first human death from plague in New Mexico since 2020, and the first human case reported in the state since 2021, highlighting the ongoing risk of this disease in the region. The man, who was hospitalized due to the illness, succumbed to the plague, prompting health officials to issue a renewed call for public awareness and preventative measures.
“We extend our deepest sympathy to the family of the Lincoln County man who died from plague,” stated State Public Health Veterinarian Erin Phipps, DVM, MPH. “This unfortunate event serves as a critical reminder about the dangers of this age-old disease. It underscores the vital need for increased public vigilance and proactive steps to protect our communities from the bubonic plague.”
Bubonic plague is a bacterial infection primarily affecting rodents. Humans typically contract the disease through the bite of infected fleas. Transmission can also occur through direct contact with infected animals, including rodents, various wildlife species, and domestic pets. This means that everyday interactions with animals and the environment in New Mexico can carry a risk of plague exposure.
Household pets, particularly cats and dogs that are allowed to roam outdoors and hunt, can inadvertently bring infected fleas into homes from deceased rodents. This behavior puts both the pets themselves and the human inhabitants of the household at increased risk of contracting the bubonic plague. Therefore, pet owners in New Mexico are especially urged to take precautions.
In response to this recent bubonic plague death in New Mexico, NMDOH personnel are actively engaging with residents in the affected area to provide information and guidance. Furthermore, an environmental assessment is planned within the community to identify and mitigate any persistent risk factors that could contribute to the spread of the disease.
Recognizing the symptoms of bubonic plague is crucial for prompt treatment. In humans, plague symptoms manifest suddenly and can include fever, chills, headache, and a feeling of weakness. A hallmark sign in many cases is the development of painful swelling of the lymph nodes, known as buboes, which can occur in the groin, armpit, or neck regions. In cats and dogs, plague symptoms may include fever, lethargy, and a decreased appetite. Swelling of the lymph nodes under the jaw may also be observed in infected pets.
To effectively prevent bubonic plague in New Mexico, the NMDOH strongly advises the public to adhere to the following precautions:
- Avoid contact with rodents and rabbits that appear sick or dead, and stay away from their nests and burrows.
- Prevent pets from roaming freely and hunting, especially in areas known to have rodent populations.
- Consult with a veterinarian regarding the use of appropriate flea control products for pets. It is important to note that not all flea control products are safe for all animals, particularly cats, or for children who may come into contact with treated pets.
- Seek prompt veterinary care for pets exhibiting signs of illness, such as fever or lethargy.
- Consult a doctor immediately if you develop an unexplained illness characterized by a sudden and high fever.
- Eliminate potential rodent habitats around your home by cleaning up areas where rodents might reside, such as wood piles, brush piles, accumulations of junk, and abandoned vehicles.
- Locate hay, wood, and compost piles as far from your residence as practically possible.
- Avoid leaving pet food and water outdoors where they can attract rodents and wildlife.
Early diagnosis and timely treatment with appropriate antibiotics are critical in significantly reducing the mortality rate associated with bubonic plague in both humans and animals. Physicians in New Mexico who suspect a case of plague are required to report it immediately to the New Mexico Department of Health.
The last reported human case of bubonic plague in New Mexico prior to this recent death occurred in Torrance County in 2021. In 2020, New Mexico experienced four human plague cases, including one in Santa Fe County, two in Torrance County, and one fatal case in Rio Arriba County. This historical data emphasizes the continued presence of plague in New Mexico and the need for ongoing vigilance.
For more comprehensive information about bubonic plague, including fact sheets available in both English and Spanish, please visit the Department of Health’s website at: https://nmhealth.org/about/erd/ideb/zdp/plg.
