Arizona Reports First Plague Case Since 2000

Arizona’s first case of plague since 2000 has been reported in an adult female in Apache County. The woman became ill early September from a flea bite at her home in northern Arizona. She is now recovering after receiving the appropriate antibiotics treatment.

In a community northeast of Flagstaff in Coconino County, an outbreak of plague involving prairie dogs is occurring. Many rodents are dying from the disease and are leaving behind infected fleas. County health and Northern Arizona University officials are closely monitoring and responding to this situation. Response has included flea collecting and testing, and extensive prevention education and outreach to people in affected areas.

48 cases of plague have been reported in Arizona during the last 30 years (1977-2006), eight of which were fatal. The plague risk has been relatively low during the last six years due to drought conditions and high summer temperatures. “The recent appearance of plague activity in two northern counties has us concerned that we may see plague in other areas as well,” said Craig Levy, head of the state Vector Borne and Zoonotic Disease Program.

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Source: ADHS