New Mexico Reports First Human Plague Case of 2025

A 43-year-old man in New Mexico has been diagnosed with plague, marking the state's first human case this year, likely contracted while camping. The disease, caused by Yersinia pestis, circulates in wildlife and can be transmitted through flea bites or contact with infected animals. Although treatable with antibiotics, early diagnosis is crucial, and health officials emphasize preventive measures such as avoiding sick rodents and using insect repellent. This case highlights the ongoing presence of plague in the western U.S., with recent cases also reported in California and Arizona.