A rare form of the bacterial infection linked to the “Black Death” that killed millions in Europe during the 14th century has taken the life of a resident in Arizona.
The afflicted person died in the emergency room of the Flagstaff Medical Center after being diagnosed with pneumonic plague.
On average, the United States reports seven cases of the plague each year.
In most cases, the plague is easily treated with antibiotics.
One person is dead, according to officials with Northern Arizona Healthcare, on the same day they showed up at Flagstaff Medical Center with symptoms of the Plague. https://t.co/RCNL6lL2Pv
— FOX 5 DC (@fox5dc) July 11, 2025
Per CBS:
A resident of northern Arizona has died from pneumonic plague, health officials said Friday.
Plague is rare to humans, with on average about seven cases reported annually in the U.S., most of them in the western states, according to federal health officials.
The death in Coconino County, which includes Flagstaff, was the first recorded death from pneumonic plague since 2007, local officials said. Further details including the identify of the victim were not released.
“Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the deceased,” said Coconino County Board of Supervisors Chair Patrice Horstman said in a statement. “We are keeping them in our thoughts during this difficult time. Out of respect for the family, no additional information about the death will be released.”
Arizona health officials have signaled that the plague could have originated from prairie dogs.
WATCH:
Arizona health officials are concerned about a prairie dog die-off northeast of Flagstaff that could be the result of a bigger problem – the plague.
Coconino County is working to stop the spread, but warns it can be transmitted to people and pets: pic.twitter.com/sINy3eJS41
— Mason Carroll (@MasonCCarroll) July 9, 2025
The CDC reported that the bacterium, Yersinia pestis, causes the plague.
Humans can become infected with the plague if they’re bitten by an infected rodent flea or by handling infected animals.
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