© 2024 KRWG
News that Matters.
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Second Case Of Bubonic Plague

By KRWG News

Santa Fe – The New Mexico Department of Health says it has confirmed a second case of bubonic plague.

Health officials say a 78-year-old man from Santa Fe County is hospitalized but recovering. The year's first case was reported in early May in a 58-year-old man from Santa Fe County, who also was hospitalized but is now recovering at home.

Department of Health Secretary Dr. Catherine Torres says the department is seeing plague activity in humans and animals in north-central New Mexico. She warns people to be aware of the situation and take precautions to avoid rodents and fleas.

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

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.