Deadly Plague in Arizona: Is This the Start of a New Nightmare?
In America, specifically Arizona, something straight out of a horror movie happened – a man died in the emergency room from the plague! Yes, you read that right, the plague, a disease that wiped out millions in the Middle Ages, has reappeared in the 21st century, right here in the USA!
What exactly happened?
A patient from northern Arizona, specifically Coconino County, was brought to the emergency department in Flagstaff but died the same day. Local health officials confirmed that the cause of death was pneumonic plague, the deadliest form of plague that infects the lungs and can spread rapidly. This is the first recorded case of plague in that county this year.
How is the plague transmitted?
The plague is a bacterial infection spread by fleas infected with the bacterium Yersinia pestis. The most common form is bubonic plague, transmitted from rodents to humans. Pneumonic plague is the deadliest and can spread directly from person to person through respiratory droplets. People can also get plague by touching infected animals or their bodily fluids.
Is this the start of an epidemic?
No need to panic yet, but caution is advised. The plague is rare today and easily treated with antibiotics, but if not recognized early, it can be fatal. The CDC reports about seven cases of plague annually in the US, mostly in rural areas of western states like New Mexico, Arizona, California, and Nevada.
How to protect yourself?
Health experts advise avoiding contact with sick or dead animals, using insect repellent sprays containing DEET, wearing gloves when handling animals, and not letting pets roam in areas known for plague. A vaccine is currently not available to the general public, though scientists are working on one.
What do officials say?
Health departments in Coconino County and Northern Arizona Healthcare are investigating the case. They urge anyone with symptoms of infectious diseases to seek medical help immediately and wear masks to prevent spreading the disease.
Historical context and global situation
The plague is infamous for the Black Death in the 14th century, which killed tens of millions in Europe. Today, it is most commonly found in parts of Africa such as the Democratic Republic of Congo and Madagascar. Approximately 1,200 cases are diagnosed worldwide each year.
Conclusion
Is this Arizona case just a bizarre accident or a warning that dangerous diseases from the past can return? One thing is clear – we must not ignore the threats lurking in nature, even in modern times. Got a funny or scary take on how the plague survived till today? Share it – you might just surprise us all!
Source: Northern Arizona Healthcare, CDC, Cleveland Clinic, B92.net
