A woman from Santa Fe County, New Mexico, has died from plague, according to the New Mexico Department of Health. This marks the first human case of plague reported in the state in 2026.

Plague Transmission and Symptoms

Plague is a bacterial disease commonly found in rodents in the western United States. It can be transmitted to humans through infected flea bites from rodents or pets, as well as through direct contact with infected animals. Additionally, people with plague in their lungs can transfer the disease by coughing.

Symptoms of plague include sudden fever, chills, headache, and weakness. The New Mexico Department of Health advises looking out for painful swelling of the lymph node in the groin, armpit, or neck areas.

To prevent plague, the NMDOH recommends taking precautions such as avoiding contact with wild rodents and their fleas, and preventing pets from coming into contact with infected animals.

In 2025, New Mexico reported three human plague cases. This year, three dogs have been diagnosed with plague, and in 2025, one cat and four dogs had the disease.

Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.