A New Mexico man has died of bubonic plague, in the first case in the state since 2021 and first death in the state since 2020.

The unidentified man had recently been hospitalized with the disease, which is carried by rodents and is generally spread to humans through the bites of infected fleas, according to the New Mexico Department of Health.

“We extend our deepest sympathy to the family of the Lincoln County man who succumbed to plague,” State Public Health Veterinarian Erin Phipps.

“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.”

Health officials warned that pets including dogs and cats may bring infected fleas home, putting humans at risk.

Officials said they were conducting an environmental assessment to determine ongoing risk.

Symptoms of plague in humans include sudden fever, chills, headache and weakness, along with painful swelling of the lymph node in the groin, armpit or neck areas. Plague symptoms in cats and dogs include fever, lethargy and loss of appetite, with possible swelling of the lymph node under the jaw.

To prevent plague, the NMDOH recommends people:

• Avoid sick or dead rodents and rabbits, and their nests and burrows.
• Prevent pets from roaming and hunting.
• Talk to your veterinarian about using an appropriate flea control product on your pets as not all products are safe for cats, dogs or your children.
• Have sick pets examined promptly by a veterinarian.
• See your doctor about any unexplained illness involving a sudden and severe fever.
• Clean up areas near the home where rodents could live, such as woodpiles, brush piles, junk and abandoned vehicles.
• Put hay, wood, and compost piles as far as possible from your home.
• Don't leave your pet's food and water where rodents and wildlife can get to it.

The last human case of plague in the state was in Torrance County in 2021.

In 2020, there were four human plague cases: one in Santa Fe County, two in Torrance County and one fatal case in Rio Arriba County.