Health authorities have raised an alarm after a man in California was diagnosed with the plague.
The plague was introduced to the US in 1900 when rat-infested steamships arrived from affected areas, causing outbreaks in port cities.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that the plague, a disease caused by a specific type of bacteria, leads to approximately seven cases annually in the United States.
Recently, local health officials announced that a man from South Lake Tahoe, California, contracted the disease after being bitten by an infected flea during a camping trip.
Plague symptoms include fever, nausea, weakness, and swollen lymph nodes. Health officials note these symptoms typically appear about two weeks after exposure.
Officials further mentioned that the disease often occurs in western US regions where infected rodents are found.
Advising the public, Kyle Fliflet, acting director of public health in El Dorado County, stated: “Plague is naturally present in many parts of California, including higher elevation areas of El Dorado County.”
He emphasized the importance of taking precautions when outdoors, particularly while walking, hiking, or camping in areas with wild rodents.
Fortunately, antibiotics can effectively treat the disease, though timely administration is crucial to prevent severe illness or death.
Last month, an Arizona resident passed away from the disease after contracting the pneumonic plague, described as a severe lung infection caused by the Yersinia pestis bacterium.
This individual was the first in the county to die from the disease since 2007.
The unnamed man is believed to have visited Flagstaff Medical Center Emergency Department, located approximately two hours from Phoenix, where he succumbed to the illness the same day.
Northern Arizona Healthcare (NAH) issued a statement revealing that doctors attempted life-saving resuscitation, but the patient did not recover.
The hospital is collaborating with the Coconino County Health and Human Services Department and the Arizona Department of Health Services to investigate the case.
NAH advised: “Anyone who suspects they are ill with a contagious disease should contact their health care provider.”
According to CDC data, at least 15 individuals have died from the plague since 2000, including the recent case in Arizona.