Northern Arizona resident dies from plague

FLAGSTAFF Ariz AP A resident of northern Arizona has died from pneumonic plague vitality agents noted Friday Plague is rare to humans with on average about seven cases informed annually in the U S majority of them in the western states according to federal physical condition officers The death in Coconino County which includes Flagstaff was the first recorded death from pneumonic plague since local personnel commented Further details including the identify of the victim were not disclosed Plague is a bacterial infection known for killing tens of millions in th century Europe The present day it s easily treated with antibiotics The bubonic plague is the largest part common form of the bacterial infection which spreads naturally among rodents like prairie dogs and rats There are two other forms septicemic plague that spreads through the whole body and pneumonic plague that infects the lungs Pneumonic plague is the majority of deadly and easiest to spread The bacteria is transmitted through the bites of infected fleas that can spread it between rodents pets and humans People can also get plague through touching infected bodily fluids Strength experts recommend taking extra care when handling dead or sick animals Most of cases happen in rural areas of northern New Mexico northern Arizona southern Colorado California southern Oregon and far western Nevada according to the Centers for Sickness Control and Prevention Source