Concerns Rise as Plague Claims Lives in Northern Arizona
A series of fatal plague infections in northern Arizona has raised alarms among health officials, following the recent death of a Coconino County resident, marking the first death from the disease since 2007. The victim died shortly after checking into the Flagstaff Medical Center, with health authorities confirming plague as the cause of death. Additionally, a significant die-off of prairie dogs in the Townsend Winona area has been reported, leading officials to suspect a link to the outbreak. The unusual rise in plague cases has prompted health officials to monitor the situation closely and issue warnings for the public to stay vigilant amid other health concerns, including a recent spike in measles cases. As investigations continue into the die-off of local prairie dog populations, officials emphasize the need for community awareness and safety measures to mitigate the risk of further infection.
NBC News, ABC15 Arizona, The Independent, FOX 10 Phoenix, the-independent.com, 12News, Coconino.az.gov, Great Circle Media, KJZZ, The Economic Times