Arizona resident dies from plague, health officials say

July 12, 2025

An Arizona resident has died from pneumonic plague, marking the first fatality from the disease in Coconino County since 2007. While plague, historically known as the "Black Death" that devastated Europe's population in the 14th century, is now rare in the United States with only about seven cases reported annually according to the CDC. County officials have assured the public that the risk of exposure remains low, emphasizing that pneumonic plague is the most severe form of the disease, which develops when other forms of plague spread to the lungs.

Who is affected

Arizona resident who died from pneumonic plague
Family and friends of the deceased
Residents of Coconino County (though risk remains low)
The general public in areas where plague might be present

What action is being taken

Coconino County Health and Human Services is monitoring the situation
County officials are communicating with the public about the low risk of exposure
Health authorities are providing prevention recommendations, including using DEET-based insect repellent and avoiding contact with dead animals

Why it matters

This is the first plague death in the county since 2007
Pneumonic plague is the most serious form of plague and can be fatal if not treated
Though rare in modern times (averaging seven cases annually in the US), plague has historical significance as the "Black Death" that killed up to half of Europe's population
The disease is treatable with antibiotics if caught early

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC