New Mexico
New Mexico man dies of the plague, in the US state's first fatal case of the disease since 2020
A man living in Lincoln County, New Mexico, has died of the plague, the state’s health department announced last Friday, making it the first fatal case of the disease in the US state since 2020.
The plague, which is caused by the bacteria Yersinia pestis and is estimated by some scientists to have wiped out more than 30 per cent of Europe’s population in the 14th century, occurs naturally in rural parts of the western United States, where it is carried by wild rodents including rock squirrels, wood rats, chipmunks, mice and rabbits.
It can be spread to humans by direct contact with infected animals, but is generally spread to humans through the bites of infected fleas.
Household pets that come into contact with local wildlife have also been known to spread it to humans, including a case in the west-coast state of Oregon last month in which a man who contracted the bubonic plague is believed to have caught it from his pet cat.
The New Mexico Department of Health did not release any specifics of the fatal case, such as the man’s name, age or ethnicity.
However, the department said staff were reaching out to residents of the area in which the man lived, and would conduct an environmental assessment of the area to determine if there was any ongoing risk.
“We extend our deepest sympathy to the family of the Lincoln County man who succumbed to the plague,” state public health veterinarian Erin Phipps said.
“This tragic incident serves as a clear reminder of the threat posed by this ancient disease and [emphasises] the need for heightened community awareness and proactive measures to prevent its spread.”
Plague still a danger in much of the world
The World Health Organization says people infected with plague usually develop acute symptoms after an incubation period of one to seven days, such as a sudden fever, chills, aching muscles, a headache and nausea.
Early diagnosis and treatment is vital, as common antibiotics are highly effective against plague bacteria, but cases that are left untreated have a high mortality rate.
Between 30 and 60 per cent of people infected with the bubonic plague, the most common form, will die, the WHO says, while the pneumonic plague — the lung-based form of the plague that can be spread from human to human — is always fatal if left untreated.
The plague is found on all continents except Australia, with epidemics occurring in Africa, Asia and South America over the past century.
While it is not present in Australia, it is a nationally notifiable disease and medical personnel are trained to be on the lookout for it, especially in returning international travellers.
The first known case of the disease in Australia was recorded in 1900 — a delivery man who worked at Sydney’s Central Wharf, which serviced ships that could have carried infected rats, according to the National Museum.
A quarantine program, along with the demolition of parts of the inner city and a rat extermination program, were instituted shortly afterwards.
By 1910, Australia had recorded 1,371 cases and 535 deaths from the plague, with most cases recorded in Sydney but some appearing as far away as north Queensland, Perth and Fremantle.
The last known case of plague in Australia is believed to have occurred in the 1920s.
ESPAÑOLA, N.M. (KRQE) – Residents in the area of the Riverside Fire in Española got a better look at the aftermath as the sun came out Saturday morning. Española resident Estevan Lucero is grieving the mobile home he grew up in. It’s one of four structures lost due to the riverside fire. His childhood home was burned, and just missed his family’s primary house on their property. “It’s awful to see all this black all around, it’s scary, it’s scary to see that it got this close,” said Lucero.
The large fire erupted Friday night in Espanola behind the Santa Claran hotel and Casino up to Fairview Lane. Some Espanola residents said that the experience was terrifying. “It’s one of the bigger fires I’ve seen in this area, so it was intense,” said Ronald Gallegos.
Meanwhile, crews have been battling to keep flames contained, but there is no reason for how it started. The fire is currently under investigation. It did spread very quickly. Initially, firefighters did think it was approximately 100 acres based on the nighttime and not getting that great visual effect,” said Española Mayor Dennis Tim Salazar.
Evacuations have been lifted for all residents, but the work will continue. “There’s several hot spots, and as mentioned, we’re really concerned about the winds, so we just want to make sure to focus on getting the job done,” said Mayor Salazar.
Several firefighters have come to pitch in. A total of 19 fire engines are assisting from federal, city, and county levels.
Welcome to the weekend!
If you are heading out the door this morning, chilly temperatures have settled into sections of west and northwest New Mexico. Temperatures are ranging from the 30’s, in the northwest, to the 60’s in the southeast. Today’s high temperature forecast will have near seasonable temperatures throughout the state, with Albuquerque expected to reach the 70s once again. The rest of the Land of Enchantment can anticipate a spread of high temperatures from the 60s to the upper 80s. Similar to most of this week, Saturday will also bring gusty winds. Gusty westerly winds will range from 25-45 mph before stronger winds return on Sunday.
Our upper-level winds will strengthen as the jet stream glides over the state. Those stronger winds above will bring high winds to sections of New Mexico. Wind gusts along the central mountain chain could reach 50-60 mph or more on Sunday afternoon. The National Weather Service (NWS) will issue High Wind Watches and Wind Advisories for gusts that could reach 50 and 60 mph. Those warnings will be for several communities along the central mountain chain, Estancia Valley, sections of Guadalupe/Lincoln counties, and southwest New Mexico.
In true New Mexico fashion fire danger will also accompany the strong winds this weekend. The NWS will issue Red Flag Warnings and Fire Weather Watches both days for fires that can easily start and spread underneath these weather conditions. Most of these will be for eastern and southern New Mexico. Fire Weather Watches also extend through central and western New Mexico for tomorrow. Precipitation chances are also expected to return this weekend.
Wet and dry storms are possible on Sunday in sections of west, central and northwest New Mexico. Aside from sprinkles to light rain, lighting would be the concern to spark new wildfires. Mountain snow is also forecasted with this push of moisture Saturday night through Sunday. A dusting to a few inches is possible in the peaks of the northern mountains, while the peaks in the San Juans, in southwest Colorado, could pick up 6-12 inches. After Sunday breezy winds are still forecasted on Monday throughout New Mexico before a wetter pattern emerges later next week. Have a great Saturday!
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