New Mexico state health officials report a human plague fatality in woman from Santa Fe County.
This is the first human plague case in the state this year.
The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) has reached out to contacts of the woman. In addition, they will conduct an environmental assessment.
Plague is a bacterial disease carried by rodents and found throughout much of the western United States. It is generally transmitted to humans through the bites of infected fleas from wild rodents or household pets. It can also be transmitted by direct contact with infected animals. People with plague in their lungs can transmit the disease through coughing.
Symptoms of plague in humans include sudden onset of fever, chills, headache, and weakness. There may be a painful swelling of the lymph node in the groin, armpit or neck areas. Physicians who suspect plague should promptly report to NMDOH.
With prompt diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic treatment, the fatality rate in people and pets can be greatly reduced. To prevent plague, NMDOH recommends:
WATCH: PLAGUE primer and updated treatment recommendations
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 related to sudden and severe fever.
New Mexico recorded three human plague cases in 2025, and one in 2024, which was fatal.
Three dogs have been diagnosed with plague in 2026. In 2025, one cat and four dogs were confirmed to have plague.