YAVAPAI COUNTY, AZ (AZFamily) — Health officials in Yavapai County are looking into a suspected case of pneumonic plague.
Yavapai County Community Health Services (YCCHS) said Friday that a county resident is thought to have contracted the infection.
YCCHS staff has begun contact tracing to identify and notify anyone who came in contact with that person.
Health officials said pneumonic plague is a serious respiratory infection, but it is highly treatable using standard antibiotics, and early detection is critical for treatment.
Any Yavapai County residents who experience a sudden onset of high fever, chest pain or difficulty breathing should seek medical care immediately, YCCHS said.
County health officials recommended that residents treat pets for fleas regularly and avoid contact with wildlife or wild rodents.
YCHHS said its officials are monitoring this situation and will provide updates as necessary.
What is pneumonic plague?
Plague is a bacterial infection caused by Yersinia pestis. While most commonly known to spread through flea bites (bubonic plague), pneumonic plague occurs when the bacteria infect the lungs. It is the most serious form of the disease and can be spread from person to person via respiratory droplets produced by a coughing individual or animal.
Symptoms to watch for
Symptoms typically develop within one to four days of exposure and progress rapidly. Residents should seek immediate medical care if they experience a sudden onset of any of the following:
Sudden high fever and chillsSevere headacheExtreme weakness or fatigueChest painShortness of breath or difficulty breathingA cough, which may produce bloody or watery mucus
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