Plague case reported in Bernalillo County 

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Health reports a case of plague in a 77-year-old man from Bernalillo County, the second case of the year.  

The man was hospitalized and has since been discharged. There have been no deaths from plague in 2025.

Plague is a bacterial disease of rodents and is generally transmitted to humans through the bites of infected fleas but can also be transmitted by direct contact with infected animals, including rodents, wildlife and pets.

“The bacterium that causes plague can be found in wild rodents and their fleas throughout New Mexico,” said Dr. Erin Phipps, state public health veterinarian for the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH). “Keeping pets on the flea control product recommended by your veterinarian helps protect them and your family.”

To prevent plague, NMDOH also recommends:

• Avoid sick or dead rodents and rabbits and their nests and burrows.  
• Clean up areas near your home where rodents live, such as woodpiles, brush and junk piles and abandoned vehicles.   
• Put hay, wood and compost piles as far as possible from your home.   
• Use insect repellent while hiking, camping, or working outdoors. Products containing DEET are recommended and can be applied to both skin and clothing, and products containing permethrin can be applied to clothing.   
• Talk to your veterinarian about safe flea control products for your pets.  
• Have sick pets examined promptly by a veterinarian.  
• See your doctor about any unexplained illness you may have involving sudden and severe fever.   

 

Symptoms of plague in humans include sudden onset of fever, chills, headache and weakness. In most cases there is a painful swelling of the lymph node in the groin, armpit or neck areas. Plague symptoms in cats and dogs are fever, lethargy and loss of appetite. There may be a swelling in the lymph node under the jaw. With prompt diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic treatment, the fatality rate in people and pets can be greatly reduced. Physicians who suspect plague should promptly report to NMDOH.

Since 2000, there has been an average of two human plague cases per year in New Mexico. New Mexico has seen relatively few infections recently, with an average of one human plague case per year over the past five years.  

For more information, including fact sheets in English and Spanish, go to the Plague page on the NMDOH website.