Experts say early treatment is key—but most people don’t know the signs
A person in northern Arizona has died from pneumonic plague, a rare but deadly lung infection caused by the same bacteria responsible for the infamous Black Death. Health officials confirmed the individual died shortly after arriving at a Flagstaff hospital.
This tragic case is a stark reminder: while the plague sounds like something from medieval history, it’s still around—and it can be fatal if not caught in time.
What Is Pneumonic Plague?
The plague comes in several forms, but pneumonic plague affects the lungs. It’s the most dangerous type because it can be spread through the air—via coughs or sneezes from infected people or animals.
The disease is caused by the Yersinia pestis bacterium, which also causes bubonic and septicemic plague. While bubonic plague is better known for its history in medieval Europe, pneumonic plague is more aggressive and can become deadly within a day or two if untreated.
How the Infection Happens
Most human plague cases in the U.S. come from the bite of an infected flea or contact with a sick animal—like a rodent or pet. In this case, local officials said the infection did not appear to be related to a recent prairie dog die-off nearby, which can sometimes signal plague activity.
In rare cases, like this one, a person can inhale the bacteria directly if they’re close to someone or something infected.
Plague is still very rare in the U.S.—averaging only seven human cases a year, mostly in the rural West. But it’s always worth paying attention, especially if you live in or travel to high-risk regions.
Symptoms to Know and Why Timing Matters
Symptoms of pneumonic plague usually appear within two to six days after exposure and tend to come on fast. You might notice:
- Sudden fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Chest pain
- Cough, sometimes with blood
- Shortness of breath
Without immediate antibiotics, the infection can become fatal—often within 24 to 72 hours. Early treatment can completely cure the disease, but delay can be deadly.
What You Can Do to Stay Safe
While the risk is low, plague is preventable with a few smart precautions:
- Avoid handling dead animals—especially rodents or rabbits.
- Keep pets flea-free and out of contact with wildlife.
- If you feel very sick and suspect a contagious illness, go to the ER and ask for a mask right away.
- In plague-prone areas, don’t disturb rodent burrows or prairie dog colonies.
If caught early, pneumonic plague is treatable. But timing is everything—if you feel sick and live in an area where plague is possible, get checked quickly.
📌 Fast Facts About Plague in the U.S.
- Average U.S. cases per year: 7
- Most common in: Rural parts of the western U.S.
- Spread by: Fleas, infected animals, or airborne droplets
- Symptoms: Fever, cough, chest pain, difficulty breathing
- Treatment: Antibiotics—effective if started early
Bottom Line
While pneumonic plague is extremely rare, it can still be deadly—and fast. Knowing the signs, acting quickly, and being cautious around wildlife can help keep you and your family safe.
