SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Health reports a case of plague in a 43-year-old man from Valencia County. 

The man was hospitalized and has since been discharged. This marks the first human case of plague in New Mexico this year. 

 He recently spent time camping in Rio Arriba County, where he may have been exposed. Plague is known to circulate among wildlife throughout the western United States. 

"This case reminds us of the severe threat that can be posed by this ancient disease," said Erin Phipps, state public health veterinarian for NMDOH. "It also emphasizes the need for heightened community awareness and for taking measures to prevent further spread." 

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

 Symptoms of plague in humans include sudden onset of fever, chills, headache, and weakness. In most cases there is a painful swelling of the lymph node in the groin, armpit or neck areas. Plague symptoms in cats and dogs are fever, lethargy and loss of appetite. There may be swelling in the lymph node under the jaw. 

With prompt diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic treatment, the fatality rate in people and pets can be greatly reduced. To prevent plague, NMDOH recommends you: 

Avoid sick or dead rodents and rabbits and their nests and burrows. 

Clean up areas near your home where rodents live, such as woodpiles, brush piles, junk and abandoned vehicles. 

Put hay, wood and compost piles as far as possible from your home. 

Use insect repellent while hiking, camping, or working outdoors. Products containing DEET are recommended and can be applied to both skin and clothing, and products containing permethrin can be applied to clothing. 

Talk to your veterinarian about using an appropriate flea control product on your pets because not all products are safe for cats, dogs and children. 

Have sick pets examined promptly by a veterinarian. 

See your doctor about any unexplained illness you may have involving sudden and severe fever. 

Do not leave your pet's food and water where rodents and wildlife can get to it. 

The last human plague case in the state was a Lincoln County resident in 2024. 

 For more information, including fact sheets in English and Spanish, go to the Plague page on our NMDOH website.