New Cases of the Plague

Two new cases of the human plague confirmed in New Mexico 

Health officials say there have been three cases in 2017 in New Mexico, so far. (AP)

BY ELIZABETH ELIZALDE
NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

New Mexico health officials have confirmed two new cases of the human plague in the state this year.

A 52-year-old woman and a 62-year-old woman in Santa Fe County have been treated for the disease, the New Mexico Department of Health said Monday.

There have been three human plague cases reported in Santa Fe County this year, so far, and all patients were hospitalized. There have been no deaths.

Health officials are investigating the patients’ home to make sure there are no ongoing threats to other residents.

Humans usually contract the plague through bites from fleas carrying the bacteria. It can also be transmitted through direct contact with infected rodents and wild animals, according to health officials.

Seven cases of the plague have been reported each year in recent decades, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.

Symptoms include sudden fevers, chills, headaches and fatigue.

In 2016, there were four reported human plague cases in three New Mexico counties. Four people also contracted the disease in 2015, which resulted in one death.