N.M. HEALTH DEPARTMENT
May 30, 2006
SANTA FE -- The New Mexico Department of Health has confirmed a fatal case of septicemic plague in an adult woman from Bernalillo County. This is the first case of plague confirmed in New Mexico this year and the state's first plague fatality since 1994.
The Albuquerque Environmental Health Department is conducting an environmental investigation at the woman's residence to determine if there is any ongoing risk to people. The Department of Health and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will assist in the investigation.
"Our sympathies go out to the woman's family and friends at this time," said Health Secretary Michelle Lujan Grisham. "All New Mexicans should be aware of this disease and take precautions to avoid rodents and their fleas."
"Bernalillo County as well as other north central counties in New Mexico had increased plague activity last year that appears to be continuing this year," said Dr. Paul Ettestad, public health veterinarian at the Department of Health. "Avoiding rodents and their fleas is very important, especially in the warmer spring and summer months when plague activity is usually higher."
Plague, a bacterial disease of rodents, is generally transmitted to humans through the bites of infected fleas, but can also be transmitted by direct contact with infected animals, including rodents, wildlife and pets.
Most people become ill two to seven days after being infected with the plague bacteria. Symptoms of bubonic plague in humans include fever, painful swollen lymph nodes in the groin, armpit or neck areas, chills, and sometimes headache, vomiting, and diarrhea. Septicemic plague occurs when bacteria multiply in the blood.
Symptoms in cats are similar. Fever, lethargy, not eating and swollen lymph nodes (usually in the neck area) are the most common signs. With prompt diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic treatment, the fatality rate in people and pets can be greatly reduced.