Texas man dies of plague

EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — A Lincoln County man has died of plague after being hospitalized for the disease, the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) announced on Friday, March 8.

The NMDOH says this is the first human case of plague in New Mexico since 2021 and the first death since 2020.

"The last human plague case in the state was a Torrance County resident in 2021. In 2020, there were four human plague cases: one in Santa Fe County, two in Torrance County, and one fatal case in Rio Arriba County," the NMDOH said.

The news release did not say where the man lived in Lincoln County.

The NMDOH says plague is a bacterial disease carried by rodents and is generally spread to humans through the bites of infected fleas. It can also spread by direct contact with infected animals, including rodents, wildlife, and pets.

"Dogs and cats that are allowed to roam and hunt can bring infected fleas from dead rodents back into the home, putting household members at risk," the NMDOH said.

The NMDOH says its staff is conducting outreach to area residents and an environmental assessment will be conducted in the community to look for ongoing risks. 

Symptoms of plague in humans include sudden onset of fever, chills, headache, and weakness. In most cases, there is a painful swelling of the lymph nodes in the groin, armpit, or neck areas. Plague symptoms in cats and dogs include fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite. There may be a swelling in the lymph node under the jaw.  

To prevent plague, the NMDOH recommends that you do the following:

• Avoid sick or dead rodents and rabbits, and their nests and burrows. 
• Prevent pets from roaming and hunting.  
• Talk to your veterinarian about using an appropriate flea control product on your pets as not all products are safe for cats, dogs or your children.  
• Have sick pets examined promptly by a veterinarian. 
• See your doctor about any unexplained illness involving a sudden and severe fever. 
• Clean up areas near the home where rodents could live, such as woodpiles, brush piles, junk and abandoned vehicles.  
• Put hay, wood, and compost piles as far as possible away from your home. 
• Don’t leave your pet’s food and water where rodents and wildlife can get to it.

"With prompt diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic treatment, the death rate in people and pets can be greatly reduced. Physicians who suspect plague should promptly report to the New Mexico Department of Health," the NMDOH said.