A resident of northern Arizona has died from the pneumonic plague, marking a rare and serious health incident in the region. Coconino County officials confirmed the death occurred on Friday, with the individual testing positive for the Yersinia pestis bacterium, which causes the plague. This is the first recorded death from pneumonic plague in Coconino County since 2007.

Health officials clarified that this death is not linked to a recent die-off of prairie dogs in the Townsend-Winona area, located northeast of Flagstaff. The prairie dog die-off is often an indicator of plague presence, but officials have stated that the two events are unrelated.

According to Northern Arizona Healthcare, the individual presented symptoms at the Medical Center and died later that day despite attempts to save them. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that plague is extremely rare in humans, with an average of only seven cases reported annually in the United States.

The CDC explains that Yersinia pestis is typically transmitted to humans through bites from infected fleas or contact with infected animals. The risk of human-to-human transmission is very low, with the last known case occurring in 1924. Symptoms of the plague can include fever, headache, chills, and swollen lymph nodes.

Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) maintains a surveillance system for plague and other endemic diseases, such as West Nile virus and hantavirus. This system is designed to quickly detect disease outbreaks and implement control measures to protect public health.

Historically, plague is often associated with the Middle Ages, but it still exists today, particularly in the southwestern United States. The CDC reports that most cases occur in Arizona, New Mexico, southern Colorado, Nevada, California, and southern Oregon. In the past, northern Arizona has seen plague cases, including five identified cases in 1996 and a confirmed case in 2007.

Health officials emphasize the importance of seeking immediate treatment if plague symptoms arise, as antibiotics are most effective when administered within 24 hours of symptom onset. The community is urged to remain vigilant and report any unusual animal deaths or symptoms to health authorities.