Pneumonia Epidemic Claims Life in Arizona
Health officials in Arizona have confirmed that residents have succumbed to a pneumonia epidemic.
This marks the first reported death due to this issue in the county since 2007, according to the Coconino County Department of Health and Human Services. In that earlier case, the individual had contact with a deceased animal that was infected.
The disease, historically known as the “black death” during the 14th century, decimated around half of Europe’s population. Today, it’s quite rare among humans and treatable with antibiotics.
On average, seven cases of this epidemic are documented in the United States each year, as noted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Coconino County officials have stated that the public’s risk of exposure is considered low.
Patrice Holstman, the chairman of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors, shared, “Our hearts are directed at the family and friends of the deceased. We continue to think about them during these difficult times. Out of respect for the families, we won’t release any additional information about the death.”
Pneumonia is a severe lung infection caused by the Yersinia pestis bacterium.
There are several types of plague, the most notable being the bubonic plague, which typically results from flea bites from infected animals. Pneumonia epidemics can arise from untreated infections and are among the most serious, albeit rare.
Symptoms of bubonic plague usually emerge within 2-8 days of exposure and can include fever, chills, headaches, general weakness, and swollen lymph nodes.
Notably, the plague is no longer prevalent in the UK, and it is deemed “very unlikely” for instances to occur among returning travelers, according to the government.
Precautions against this infection include using insect repellents containing DEET to prevent flea bites, steering clear of dead animals, avoiding contact with infected tissues and materials, and maintaining distance from areas where symptomatic patients have recently been reported.
