Man dies of septicemic plague in New Mexico

A man in his 20s died of septicemic plague in the US state of New Mexico.

The victim, whose identity has not been publicly revealed, lived in Rio Arriba. This is the second death caused by the plague this year in New Mexico.

“The Rio Arriba County man died after being hospitalized. An environmental investigation will take place at the person’s home to look for ongoing risk to immediate family members, neighbors and others in the surrounding community,” according to officials.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the three most common types of plague are bubonic plague – better known as black death for its high mortality rate in the past -, septicemic plague and pneumonic plague.

Septicemic plague can occur as the first symptom of plague or can develop from untreated bubonic plague. The latter is caused by the bites from infected flea or contact with infected animals.

There is no vaccine

Among the most common symptoms of the disease are high fever, swollen lumps, and a feeling of weakness. According to the World Health Organization, an adult can die of bubonic plague in less than 24 hours if not treated with antibiotics.