Overview

• An Arizona resident was admitted to Flagstaff Medical Center with severe symptoms and died within 24 hours of onset.
• Rapid diagnostic testing by the Arizona Department of Health Services and an autopsy confirmed pneumonic plague, the most dangerous form of the disease.
• This marks the first plague fatality in Coconino County since 2007, highlighting a resurgence of sporadic cases in the western US.
• Coconino County officials have assured residents that the risk of exposure is low and released guidelines for prevention and monitoring.
• Investigators noted the human case is not linked to recent prairie dog die-offs but underscores the need for ongoing wildlife surveillance to contain potential outbreaks.