New Mexico Reports First Human Plague Case of the Year: What You Need to Know
New Mexico health officials have confirmed the state's first human plague case of 2025, serving as a critical reminder of this rare yet serious infectious disease. A 43-year-old man from Valencia County was hospitalized but has since been discharged, highlighting the importance of early detection and prompt medical intervention. The patient's likely exposure occurred while camping in Rio Arriba County, an area where the Yersinia pestis bacterium, responsible for plague, is known to circulate among wildlife.
Understanding Plague: A Persistent Threat
Plague, a disease with historical notoriety, is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. While rare in the United States, averaging only about seven cases annually, it remains a public health concern, particularly in the Western U.S. where it's endemic in rodent populations.
How Plague Spreads
The primary mode of transmission to humans is through the bites of infected fleas, which typically infest rodents and other small mammals. Direct contact with infected animals, including wildlife and pets, can also lead to infection. This recent human plague case in New Mexico underscores the need for vigilance, especially for those who spend time outdoors.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Early recognition of plague symptoms is crucial for effective treatment. In humans, signs of infection often appear suddenly and can include:
- Sudden onset of fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Weakness
- Painful swelling of the lymph nodes (known as buboes), typically in the groin, armpit, or neck areas
Plague can manifest in three main forms:
- Bubonic plague: The most common form, characterized by swollen, painful lymph nodes.
- Septicemic plague: Occurs when the bacteria multiply in the bloodstream.
- Pneumonic plague: The most severe form, affecting the lungs, and notably, the only type that can spread directly from person to person.
Prevention is Key: Staying Safe Outdoors
Given the risk of rodent-borne illness like plague, especially for campers and hikers, the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) emphasizes several preventative measures:
- Avoid Contact with Wildlife: Steer clear of sick or dead rodents, rabbits, and their nests or burrows.
- Manage Rodent Habitats: Clean up areas around your home that could attract rodents, such as woodpiles, brush piles, junk, and abandoned vehicles. Keep hay, wood, and compost piles as far from your home as possible.
- Use Insect Repellent: When hiking, camping in New Mexico, or working outdoors, use insect repellents containing DEET on skin and clothing, or permethrin on clothing, to prevent flea bites.
- Pet Protection: Discuss appropriate flea control products with your veterinarian, as not all products are safe for all pets or children. Ensure sick pets are examined promptly by a vet.
- Food and Water Safety: Do not leave pet food and water where rodents or other wildlife can access it.
- Seek Medical Attention: Consult your doctor for any unexplained illness involving sudden and severe fever.
Treatment and Broader Context
With prompt diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic treatment, the fatality rate for both people and pets can be significantly reduced. This recent case follows other human plague infections reported across the Western U.S. this year, including a case in California and a fatality in Arizona, underscoring the ongoing need for public health alert and personal infectious disease prevention efforts.
By taking these precautions, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of contracting this ancient, yet still present, disease.