Home / Health / Rare Plague Case in Arizona: Experts Ease Public Concern
Rare Plague Case in Arizona: Experts Ease Public Concern
15 Apr
Summary
- Arizona confirmed a recovered plague case, the first since 2015.
- Plague is caused by Yersinia pestis bacteria, treatable with antibiotics.
- Cases are rare in the US, primarily occurring in western rodent populations.
A recent plague case has been confirmed in Apache County, Arizona, with the affected resident having recovered after receiving medical care. This marks the first such case in the county since 2015 and the fourth since 2006.
Plague is an infectious disease caused by the Yersinia pestis bacteria, commonly contracted through flea bites from infected rodents or direct contact with infected animals. While four types exist, bubonic plague is the most common in the U.S., accounting for over 80 percent of cases.
Infectious disease doctors emphasize that plague cases, averaging seven annually in the U.S., are primarily concentrated in western regions, including Arizona. They assure that the risk to the general public is low, provided individuals avoid direct contact with wild animals and potential sources of infection.
Plague is treatable with readily available antibiotics. However, prompt medical attention is crucial if symptoms arise after being in plague-prevalent areas.
