Pneumonic Plague in Arizona: What to Know and How to Stay Safe

Pneumonic plague has claimed a life in Northern Arizona, marking a rare but deadly outbreak of this lung-targeting infection.

Highlights:

Pneumonic plague spreads person to person through respiratory droplets
Symptoms appear fast and include fever, chest pain, and bloody cough
Early antibiotics are crucial as untreated cases can be fatal within 48 hours

A deadly case of pneumonic plague has claimed a life in Northern Arizona, with the victim dying at Flagstaff Medical Center on July 11—the region’s first such death since 2007. This shocking incident underlines the lethal potential of a disease that, while rare, progresses rapidly and can be fatal within two days without treatment ().

The infection is caused by Yersinia pestis, the same bacterium responsible for the infamous bubonic plague. While bubonic plague is transmitted by flea bites and primarily affects lymph nodes, pneumonic plague attacks the lungs and can be transmitted from person to person through airborne droplets.

Bubonic Plague - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Prevention
Bubonic plague is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Yersinia pestis present in rodents and transmitted to humans through bites of an infected flea.

TOP INSIGHT

Did You Know?
Pneumonic plague can kill within just 24 to 48 hours if untreated; only around seven cases are reported each year in the United States. #medindia #pneumonic #plague

How the Infection Spreads and Escalates

Unlike other forms of plague, pneumonic plague can spread directly between people when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can also develop as a secondary complication in patients who first contract bubonic or septicemic plague—usually through contact with infected fleas or animals.

People at higher risk often include those who live or work in rural areas, such as hunters, campers, and pet owners. Even handling a sick pet that has roamed plague-prone regions can result in transmission. Though rare, an average of seven cases occur annually in the United States, mostly in the rural West.

Home Remedies for Cough / Natural Cough Remedy
Natural home remedies offer you an herbal method to treat cough effectively. Follow these simple home remedies and tips to get rid of cough.

Rapid Onset and Fatal Symptoms

Symptoms of pneumonic plague usually appear within one to four days of exposure. Initial signs include fever, chills, muscle pain, and general weakness. However, it rapidly worsens into a dangerous form of pneumonia, with chest pain, difficulty breathing, and coughing up blood or watery mucus.

This is the only type of plague that can spread through the air, making it particularly dangerous. Without prompt antibiotic treatment, the disease is almost always fatal, often within 24 to 48 hours after symptoms start.

Scientists Develop New Vaccine Candidates Against Deadly Plague
New vaccine candidates are developed using mutant versions of Yersinia pestis bacteria for treatment of plague.

Ways to Catch the Disease

The primary route of pneumonic plague transmission is through inhaling infected respiratory droplets from someone who is already infected and showing symptoms. It can also develop if a person contracts other forms of plague, typically through flea bites or by handling infected wildlife.

Risks increase for those living in rural regions or working in areas with frequent wildlife contact. Dead rodents or pets that interact with infected animals can also be sources of transmission, making awareness and caution essential for people in high-risk zones.

Practical Ways to Stay Safe

Preventing pneumonic plague primarily involves minimizing exposure to infected animals and fleas. When visiting areas where plague activity is known, wear long pants, use insect repellents containing DEET (N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide), and keep your clothing sealed against fleas.

Keep pets away from carcasses and use flea prevention treatments regularly, especially if you live in western regions of the United States. If your pet shows unusual symptoms after being outdoors, consult a veterinarian promptly and mention any potential contact with wildlife.

Act Fast and Stay Informed

If you've been near someone with respiratory symptoms and start to feel feverish or have chest discomfort, get medical help immediately. Early intervention with antibiotics can prevent severe complications and save lives.

Although pneumonic plague is extremely rare, its ability to spread rapidly and fatally highlights the importance of recognizing symptoms early and taking swift action. Public awareness and prevention strategies are crucial in avoiding tragedy.

In conclusion, pneumonic plague remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases, despite its rarity. The recent fatality in Arizona serves as a stark reminder of how quickly this illness can escalate. Staying vigilant, understanding the risks, and seeking immediate treatment at the first sign of symptoms can be the difference between life and death.

Reference: