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Second Plaugue Illness In New Mexico

New Mexico has its second confirmed case of plague this year.

The state Health Department says the latest confirmed case involves an 11-year-old girl from Torrance County just east of Albuquerque. The state's first plague case in 2013 also involved a person from Torrance County.

The department says the girl's home will be examined for any ongoing risk to others.

Plague is a potentially deadly bacterial disease of rodents and is generally transmitted to humans through the bites of infected fleas. However, it also can be transmitted by direct contact with infected animals such as rodents, wildlife and pets.

Health Secretary Retta Ward advises people to avoid sick or dead rodents and rabbits and their nests and burrows.

Ward suggests that families with pets ask their veterinarians about flea products.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.