Another Confirmed Case of the Plague in New Mexico

New Mexico State health officials say they have confirmed the first human case of plague in Bernalillo County.

The New Mexico Department of Health stated that tests show a 65-year-old man from Bernalillo County does have the plague and officials are not releasing his name at this time. This is actually the second case this year out of New Mexico. Just last month, a 52-year-old woman in Santa Fe County died from the disease. It seems to be moving more south on the map.

Plague is a disease from rodents that is typically transmitted to people through bites from inflected fleas or direct contact with infected animals. The women last month who died from the plague had gotten bit by an animal that was infected.

The following are symptoms of the plague to be on the lookout for:

• sudden fever
• chills
• headache
• fatigue or weakness.

To reduce the risk of Plague it is recommended to use insect repellent on exposed skin and clothing when you go outdoors. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends repellents containing DEET and permethrin for use on clothing. Always follow label directions when using insect repellents. It is also recommended to keep your pets from roaming and hunting and keep them indoors.