• A resident of Arizona died from pneumonic plague, the first death in Coconino County since 2007.
• The incident highlights the rare occurrence of plague in humans, with about seven cases reported annually in the U.S.
• Health officials confirm that the risk of exposure to the public remains low.

A resident of northern Arizona has tragically died from pneumonic plague, marking the first recorded death in Coconino County since 2007. The patient was admitted to Flagstaff Medical Centre but sadly passed away the same day despite attempts at lifesaving resuscitation, health officials reported. This incident serves as a reminder of the disease, which is caused by the Yersinia pestis bacterium, and remains extremely rare in humans, according to BBC and CBS News.

Plague historically devastated populations, famously referred to as the "Black Death," but it can now be treated effectively with antibiotics. Health officials note that pneumonic plague is particularly dangerous as it infects the lungs and can spread more easily than other forms. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that while plague cases in the U.S. average only seven annually, they primarily occur in rural areas of the western states, including Arizona, according to LA Times and India Times.

The local Coconino County health authorities have reassured the public that the overall risk of exposure remains low, emphasizing that the health and safety of the community is a priority. Officials have encouraged people to avoid contact with dead animals and take necessary precautions if they encounter sick wildlife, ensuring public awareness about the disease's transmission and prevention methods, according to CBS News and LA Times.