A man has died in New Mexico from the bubonic plague – marking the first human death from the disease in the state since 2020.
The New Mexico Department of Health announced on Friday that the Lincoln County man, who has not been named, was first hospitalized after contracting the disease. He then died in hospital.
“We extend our deepest sympathy to the family of the Lincoln County man who succumbed to plague,” said State Public Health Veterinarian Erin Phipps, DVM, MPH, in the announcement.
“This tragic incident serves as a clear reminder of the threat posed by this ancient disease and emphasizes the need for heightened community awareness and proactive measures to prevent its spread,” she added.
It is not clear exactly how the man contracted the disease.