SANTA FE COUNTY, N.M. – Two additional cases of human plague have been confirmed in New Mexico, bringing the total number of cases in the state to three this year.
The latest patients are two women, ages 52 and 62. Both women, and the previous male patient, were treated and released in local hospitals.
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While not at the level of the Middle Ages in Europe where the plague killed millions of people, the plague is still a serious disease that is up to 60 percent fatal if not treated quickly.
Humans usually contract the plague through a bite from a rodent flea, or by handling animals infected with the plague, such as rabbits, rats, squirrels or prairie dogs.
According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, inhaling droplets from an infected human or animal, such as a sick cat, can lead to the plague.
The New York Times reports bubonic, pneumonic and septicemic plague all feature the same general symptoms such as fever, weakness and chills, but showcase different markers.
BUBONIC PLAGUE
- - Sudden appearance of swollen, painful lymph nodes in groin or armpits.
PNEUMONIC PLAGUE
- - Rapid and severe form of pneumonia leading to respiratory failure and shock.
SEPTICEMIC PLAGUE
- - Attacks blood cells, causes skin to turn black and die.
The Times adds there were over 1,600 fatal cases of the plague worldwide between 2000 and 2009, seven of those cases were in the United States.
The Centers for Disease Control advises against touching or picking up dead animals and to avoid sleeping with your pets. Also, eliminate nesting places for rodents near homes.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution also recommends making sure your pets have the proper flea medicine and keep your pet's food in rodent-proof containers.