Pneumonic plague claims life in the US: Symptoms, risks, and how it spreads

Pneumonic plague, the deadliest and most contagious form of plague, recently claimed a life in Northern Arizona—sending a shockwave. The victim was rushed to Flagstaff Medical Center on July 11 and died the same day, marking the county’s first pneumonic plague death since 2007.

It’s caused by Yersinia pestis, the infamous plague bacterium. We tend to think of flea-borne bubonic plague, but pneumonic plague is different—it hits the lungs. You either inhale droplets from someone coughing it up, or you progress to it after bubonic or septicemic forms.

Symptoms to note
Symptoms show up fast—usually 1–4 days after exposure. They start with fever, chills, headaches, body aches, and weakness. But then things get serious: you’ll develop a brutal pneumonia—think chest pains, rapid breathing, coughing up bloody or watery mucus. It’s the only form of plague that can spread from person to person.

Without antibiotics, pneumonic plague is almost always fatal—death can come within 24–48 hours. Pneumonic plague is extremely rare—only around seven U.S. cases pop up yearly, mostly in rural western states like Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and parts of the Pacific Northwest. Victims often include those in close contact with wildlife or fleas, including ranchers, hunters, or even pets.

How do people catch the infection?
You can catch pneumonic plague in a few pretty sneaky ways. The most direct is by breathing in droplets from someone who's already infected—like if they’re coughing or sneezing near you. That’s why it’s the only type of plague that spreads from person to person. But it can also start after being infected with bubonic or septicemic plague, which usually comes from flea bites or handling sick animals.

If you’ve been around dead rodents, wild animals, or even pets that roam in plague-prone areas, there's a small chance you could pick it up—especially if they’re carrying fleas. People who live in rural areas or work with wildlife (like hunters, campers, or pet owners) are usually more at risk. The good news? It’s super rare. But if you’ve been exposed and suddenly feel feverish or short of breath, don’t wait—get checked out fast. Early treatment makes all the difference.

Prevention tips
Preventing pneumonic plague isn’t complicated—it’s mostly about avoiding fleas and sick animals, and acting fast if you’ve been exposed. If you’re out hiking or live in a rural area, use bug spray with DEET and wear long pants tucked into socks to keep fleas away. Don’t touch dead animals, and definitely don’t let your pets sniff around carcasses or roam freely in plague-prone zones. Keep your pets on flea prevention year-round, especially in the western U.S. where cases pop up more often. If your cat or dog gets sick after being outside, take them to the vet and mention any wildlife contact. If you’ve been around someone coughing and you're feeling off—especially fever or chest pain—don’t wait it out. Go see a doctor quickly. Pneumonic plague moves fast, but with early antibiotics, it’s totally treatable. Basically, be smart around animals, avoid fleas, and don’t ignore weird symptoms.

Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is for general awareness and educational purposes only. It is based on publicly available sources as of July 2025 and is not intended as medical advice. Pneumonic plague is a rare but serious condition—if you believe you’ve been exposed or are experiencing symptoms, consult a qualified healthcare professional immediately. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, medical data can evolve. Always rely on licensed medical providers for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies.