New Mexico sees 1st case of bubonic plague this year

TORRANCE COUNTY, New Mexico — New Mexico health officials have announced the first case of the bubonic plague in the state this year, ABC affiliate KOAT reports.

State officials said the case was confirmed this week in a patient from Torrance County. That person is being treated at a local hospital and is expected to make a full recovery.

Officials said they think this individual was likely exposed to flea bites brought home by a pet.

They add an investigation will take place at the patient's home to assess any ongoing risk for family members, neighbors or the surrounding community.

“This case is a reminder that even during a pandemic, other infectious diseases can still be a threat,” said Acting Health Secretary Dr. David Scrase. “Plague cases are routinely diagnosed among animals — and sometimes passed on to humans.”

To prevent plague, the New Mexico Department of Health recommends that you:

• Avoid sick or dead rodents and rabbits, and their nests and burrows.
• Prevent your 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, and children.
• 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 from your home.
• Don’t leave your pet’s food and water where rodents and wildlife can get to it.
• Have sick pets examined promptly by a veterinarian.
• See your doctor about any unexplained illness you may be having involving sudden and severe fever.

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

With prompt diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic treatment, the fatality rate in people and pets can be greatly reduced. Physicians who suspect plague should promptly report it to the NMDOH by calling 505-827-0006.

In 2020, there were four human plague cases, one of them fatal.