Home / Health / Plague Confirmed in Santa Fe County Wood Rat
Plague Confirmed in Santa Fe County Wood Rat
3 Jul
Summary
- Santa Fe County has its first plague case in a wild animal this year.
- The state has confirmed five animal plague cases in 2026 so far.
- A recent human plague death occurred in Santa Fe, with one to two cases annually.
Health officials in New Mexico are warning residents about the risks of plague transmission after a wild wood rat tested positive for the disease in Santa Fe County. This marks the county's first animal plague case this year, contributing to the state's total of five animal diagnoses in 2026. Previous cases in 2026 involved three dogs in Santa Fe County and one in Bernalillo County.
The bacterial disease, often spread by flea bites, can infect humans through contact with infected animals, including rodents, wildlife, and pets. Symptoms include sudden fever, chills, headache, weakness, and swollen lymph nodes. Transmission can also occur between humans via coughing.
Tragically, the Health Department reported the first human fatality from plague on June 11, involving a Santa Fe woman. New Mexico typically sees one to two human plague infections each year. To prevent exposure, health officials advise avoiding rodent habitats, cleaning outdoor areas, using insect repellent, and consulting veterinarians about flea control for pets.
