1 post tagged “health”

Um, the plague? WTF?!

13 plague cases reported in 4 states, highest in 12 years
CNN

Thirteen cases of plague including two deaths have been reported in the Western United States this year, the highest number of cases in 12 years, health officials say.

Seven cases were reported in New Mexico, three in Colorado, two in California and one in Texas, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Two New Mexicans died -- a 54-year-old woman who grew ill in May and a 43-year-old woman who became sick in July.

On average, the plague is diagnosed in about seven people a year, CDC officials said Friday. Fourteen cases were reported in 1994.

It's treatable with antibiotics, but health officials stress the importance of prompt diagnosis to reduce the fatality rate.

Plague is transmitted through the bites of infected fleas, but people also can get it by direct contact with infected rodents, wildlife and pets. Most people become ill one to six days after being infected.