Arizona, USA | July 14, 2025 : A recent death in Coconino County, Arizona, has brought the rare but deadly pneumonic plague back into the spotlight. Health officials confirmed that a resident died from the disease earlier this month, marking the first plague-related fatality in the area since 2007.

What Is Pneumonic Plague?
Pneumonic plague is the most dangerous and contagious form of plague caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. It occurs when the bacteria infect the lungs, either directly through inhalation of respiratory droplets or when untreated bubonic or septicemic plague spreads to the lungs.

Unlike other forms of plague, pneumonic plague can be transmitted from person to person through coughing and sneezing. Without treatment, it can be fatal within 24 to 72 hours.

Symptoms and Progression
The disease typically presents symptoms within 1 to 7 days after exposure. Common early symptoms include:

High fever

Chills

Headache

Muscle aches

Weakness

Chest pain

Shortness of breath

Cough, often with bloody or watery sputum

As the infection worsens, it leads to pneumonia, respiratory failure, and shock. If not treated promptly with antibiotics, the mortality rate approaches 100%.

Historical Significance
Pneumonic plague has a long and deadly history. It was one of the three forms of plague that contributed to the Black Death in the 14th century, which killed millions across Europe. Another significant outbreak occurred in Manchuria between 1910 and 1911, claiming tens of thousands of lives and prompting some of the earliest uses of public health masks and quarantine measures.

In the United States, plague cases are rare but do occur. Most modern cases are confined to rural parts of the western U.S., including New Mexico, Arizona, California, and Colorado. Prior to this latest case, the last fatality from pneumonic plague in the U.S. occurred in 2007.

The Arizona Case
In the recent incident, a resident of northern Arizona was admitted to a hospital with severe respiratory symptoms and died the same day. Following tests, it was confirmed that the cause of death was pneumonic plague. Health authorities have assured the public that the risk of a broader outbreak is extremely low and that close contacts of the deceased are being monitored.

Officials are still investigating how the individual contracted the disease. In many cases, plague is transmitted from animals to humans through the bites of infected fleas or by handling infected wildlife. The bacteria can also be present in domestic pets that have contact with wild rodents or are allowed to roam freely in plague-prone areas.

Prevention and Treatment
The plague is treatable with antibiotics if diagnosed early. Drugs like streptomycin, gentamicin, and doxycycline are effective when administered quickly. Preventive measures include avoiding contact with wild rodents, using insect repellent when outdoors, and keeping pets flea-free.

Although modern medicine has made plague far less deadly than in the past, health officials emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and public awareness. The recent Arizona case is a sobering reminder that even ancient diseases can still pose serious threats in the modern age