Latest news with #NorthernArizona
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Wildfires burning near Grand Canyon's North Rim force park closures
Two large wildfires are still raging in Northern Arizona, with 0% containment so far, officials said. The White Sage Fire and Dragon Bravo Fire continue to burn near the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, forcing park closures. CBS News' Ian Lee has the latest.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Arizona Resident Dies of Plague After Being Rushed to Emergency Room
One person has died of the plague in Northern Arizona, health officials confirmed July 11 The person was treated at a local emergency room and died the same day, per NBC News Coconino County Health and Human Services said the risk of human transmission is "very low"One person has died of the bacteria that causes the plague in Northern Arizona, near Flagstaff, officials confirmed. Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) said in a July 11 statement that a county resident was confirmed to have died from pneumonic plague, As CCHHS said, it's 'a severe lung infection caused by the Yersinia pestis bacterium.' 'Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the deceased,' Coconino County Board of Supervisors Chair Patrice Horstman said in the statement. 'We are keeping them in our thoughts during this difficult time. Out of respect for the family, no additional information about the death will be released.' The patient arrived at Flagstaff Medical Center Emergency Department and died the same day, per a report by NBC News. CCHHS did say the death was not related to recent reports of prairie dogs dying in the Townsend Winona area, which some officials had linked to the plague, according to a report in AZ Central. The plague is caused by the Yersinia pestis bacterium and is transmitted to people by rodent fleas, or by handling an infected animal, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control says. It manifests first as the bubonic plague, with symptoms that include fever, headache, chills, weakness and swollen, painful lymph nodes. The disease, if untreated, may progress into septicemic plague, which causes abdominal pain, shock, and bleeding into the skin. Pneumonic plague occurs when the disease progresses past septicemic or bubonic. It's the 'most serious form of the disease,' the CDC says, and the only type that can be spread from person to person. It's marked by 'rapidly developing pneumonia with shortness of breath, chest pain, cough, and sometimes bloody or watery mucous.' The CDC notes that 'plague is a very serious illness but treatable with commonly available antibiotics.' CCHHS cautioned residents to avoid contact with wild animals, especially rodents, and to avoid fleas by using an insect repellant '20-30 percent DEET and tuck pant cuffs into your socks to help prevent flea bites.' The agency urged residents to be see veterinary care for pets, and to be especially mindful of cats, who who are 'highly susceptible to plague.' CCHHS said "the risk of human-to-human transmission is very low." Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Read the original article on People
The Independent
5 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
What we know about the US resident who died from the plague
A person in Northern Arizona has died from the plague, confirmed by health officials after an autopsy revealed the presence of Yersinia pestis, the bacterium responsible for plague. The victim was taken to hospital with severe symptoms and died the same day. This fatality occurred amid a significant die-off of prairie dogs near Flagstaff, prompting Coconino County officials to investigate the link and collect fleas for testing. Plague remains rare in modern America, with an average of seven human cases annually, primarily affecting rural areas of the Western U.S. Symptoms include fever, chills, and swollen lymph nodes, but prompt antibiotic treatment, ideally within 24 hours, offers a high survival rate for bubonic plague. Public health officials urge residents to report sick or dead rodents, use flea control on pets, and seek immediate medical care if symptoms develop after potential exposure.
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The Independent
5 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
Arizona resident dies from the plague less than 24 hours after showing symptoms
A person has died from the plague in Northern Arizona, health officials confirmed Thursday. The victim was rushed to Flagstaff Medical Center, showing severe symptoms, and died the same day. An autopsy revealed Yersinia pestis, the bacterium responsible for plague, was found. No further details about the patient or their identity have been revealed. This case comes amid a recent prairie dog die-off northeast of Flagstaff, a classic red flag for plague activity since these rodents often carry infected fleas. Coconino County officials are investigating an unknown number of prairie dog deaths linked to plague. They are working with a property owner to collect fleas for testing. The plague remains rare in modern America, with the Centers for Disease Control reporting an average of seven human cases annually, the majority of which occur in rural areas of the Western U.S., including northern Arizona and parts of New Mexico and Colorado. Plague occurs in three forms, bubonic, septicemic and pneumonic, depending on whether the infection hits the lymph nodes, bloodstream or lungs. Most US cases are bubonic, typically spread via flea bites from infected rodents. According to the Cleveland Clinic, worldwide plague cases number around 1,000 to 2,000 per year, with the U.S. reporting about seven annually. Symptoms often begin within a week of infection and may include fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, nausea and weakness. If treated promptly, ideally within 24 hours of symptoms, antibiotics are effective, and bubonic plague has a survival rate exceeding 90 percent. Without treatment, however, mortality rates can skyrocket. Public health officials urge residents to report sick or dead prairie dogs and other rodents, use flea control products on pets, and seek immediate medical care if symptoms like fever or swollen glands develop after possible exposure.
Washington Post
04-06-2025
- Climate
- Washington Post
Flooding rains are falling in the desert. Here's where.
The city of Las Vegas averages only 4.18 inches of rain per year — with heavy rains a rarity in the desert. But on Wednesday, much of the southern Nevada and northern Arizona desert are included in a flood watch until 11 p.m., with some locations set to receive months' worth of rain in only a matter of hours.
