VALENCIA COUNTY, N.M. —

The New Mexico Department of Health has reported the first human plague case in New Mexico.

The infected person was described as a 43-year-old man from Valencia County. He was hospitalized and has since been released. This is the first reported case of 2025.

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The man recently spent time camping in Rio Arriba County, where the exposure may have taken place.

The last reported human plague case in New Mexico involved a Lincoln County resident who died in 2024 . Prior to that, the most recent human plague case was in 2021.

Plague is known to be transmitted to humans through bites of infected fleas. It can also be transmitted via direct contact with infected animals, including pets and wildlife.

Symptoms o

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