A 77-year-old man from Bernalillo County has contracted plague, marking the second case reported in New Mexico this year, state health officials announced Wednesday.
The man was hospitalized and has since been discharged, according to the New Mexico Department of Health. No deaths from plague have been reported in the state in 2025.
Plague is a bacterial disease that primarily affects rodents and is typically transmitted to humans through bites from infected fleas, though it can also spread through direct contact with infected animals, including rodents, wildlife and pets.
“The bacterium that causes plague can be found in wild rodents and their fleas throughout New Mexico,” said Dr. Erin Phipps, state public health veterinarian for the New Mexico Department of Health. “Keeping pets on the flea control product recommended by your veterinarian helps protect them and your family.”
The disease causes a sudden onset of fever, chills, headache and weakness in humans. Most cases involve painful swelling of lymph nodes in the groin, armpit or neck areas. In cats and dogs, symptoms include fever, lethargy, loss of appetite and potential swelling in lymph nodes under the jaw.
With prompt diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic treatment, the fatality rate in people and pets can be greatly reduced, health officials said.
New Mexico has averaged two human plague cases per year since 2000, though infections have declined in recent years to an average of one case annually over the past five years.
To prevent plague, the state health department recommends avoiding sick or dead rodents and their habitats, cleaning up areas where rodents live near homes, using insect repellent containing DEET while outdoors, maintaining flea control for pets and seeking prompt medical attention for unexplained severe fevers.
Physicians who suspect plague are urged to report cases promptly to the state health department.
