A resident of Arizona, USA, has died of plague, confirm health authorities in the state. It is the first confirmed death from plague in Coconino county since 2007.
The person had sought care at an emergency department in the city of Flagstaff. Despite life-sustaining measures, the patient died the same day, reports NBC News. Out of consideration for the relatives, no details have been given about the deceased.
On average, seven cases of plague in humans are reported annually in the USA. The disease is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, which can be spread by fleas from wild animals. If antibiotics are administered early, the prognosis is good.
The risk of spread is low, according to the authorities.
