New Mexico Reports First Plague Case of 2025: A Reminder of an Ancient Threat
In a stark reminder that diseases of the past continue to pose risks in modern times, the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) has confirmed the first human case of plague in the state for 2025. The case involves a 43-year-old man from Valencia County who contracted the disease after camping in Rio Arriba County. Although the man required hospitalization, he has since been discharged and is recovering—a testament to the effectiveness of modern medical treatments when the disease is caught early. This incident serves as an important reminder that plague, despite its medieval associations, remains present in the western United States, circulating primarily among wildlife populations before occasionally making the jump to humans.
“This case reminds us of the severe threat that can be posed by this ancient disease,” said Erin Phipps, state public health veterinarian for NMDOH, in a public statement addressing the situation. Her words highlight the ongoing vigilance required in areas where plague is endemic to wildlife populations. The case follows a previous human infection recorded in Lincoln County in 2024, demonstrating the persistent nature of the disease in the region. While plague may seem like a relic of history—often associated with the devastating Black Death that swept through medieval Europe—it remains a present danger in specific ecological niches throughout the world, including the American Southwest, where it has established itself in local rodent populations.
The plague bacteria, Yersinia pestis, typically spreads to humans through flea bites, particularly from fleas that have fed on infected rodents. However, direct contact with infected animals—whether wild rodents or even domestic pets that have encountered the bacteria—can also transmit the disease. The symptoms develop relatively quickly and can be severe, beginning with fever, chills, headache, and weakness. One distinctive sign is the painful swelling of lymph nodes in areas such as the groin, armpit, or neck, creating the characteristic “buboes” that gave bubonic plague its name. In pets, similar symptoms may appear, including fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, and distinctive swelling of lymph nodes under the jaw—signs that should prompt immediate veterinary attention.
Fortunately, unlike in centuries past when plague was a virtual death sentence, modern antibiotics have transformed the prognosis for those infected. When diagnosed and treated promptly, antibiotics can dramatically reduce the fatality rate for both humans and animals. This medical advancement represents one of the most significant public health achievements regarding a disease that once decimated entire populations. However, the key to successful treatment lies in early recognition and intervention, which requires both public awareness and healthcare provider vigilance in regions where the disease is known to exist. The successful treatment of the Valencia County man illustrates how modern medicine can effectively combat even this historically devastating illness when properly applied.
Prevention remains the best approach to plague control, and NMDOH has issued several practical recommendations for residents and visitors to endemic areas. These include avoiding contact with sick or dead rodents and rabbits, which may harbor the bacteria or infected fleas. Environmental management is also crucial—cleaning up areas where rodents may nest and storing materials like hay, wood, and compost piles away from homes can reduce the risk of rodent infestations near human dwellings. For those enjoying outdoor activities in plague-endemic regions, using EPA-approved insect repellents can provide an additional layer of protection against flea bites. These simple precautions, while not foolproof, significantly reduce the risk of exposure to a disease that continues to circulate in wildlife populations throughout the western United States.
Pet owners bear additional responsibility in plague prevention, as domestic animals can serve as bridges between wildlife reservoirs of the disease and human populations. NMDOH specifically recommends using appropriate flea control products on pets and seeking prompt veterinary care for animals showing signs of illness, particularly after potential wildlife exposure. Additionally, any human illness involving a sudden, severe fever following possible exposure should be evaluated by a healthcare provider without delay, especially in regions where plague is known to occur. While cases remain relatively rare, the potential severity of plague infection makes vigilance essential. As this recent case demonstrates, plague is not merely a historical footnote but a present reality requiring continued public health attention and community awareness in affected regions.
