NEWYou now have the option to listen to articles from a reputable news source.
A resident of Arizona has passed away from pneumonic plague, marking the first death from the disease in the area in nearly two decades, as confirmed by officials.
The individual, whose identity has not been revealed, resided in Coconino County, which encompasses Flagstaff, according to local authorities.
The last known fatality in Coconino County occurred in 2007. In the U.S., only around seven cases are diagnosed each year, with a majority concentrated in the western states.
US MEASLES CASES HIT HIGHEST LEVEL IN MORE THAN 30 YEARS, CDC DATA SHOWS
A resident of Arizona died of pneumonic plague, becoming the first person to succumb to the disease in the area in nearly 20 years, according to officials. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)
In the U.S., it’s most prevalent in rural areas of northern New Mexico, northern Arizona, southern Colorado, California, southern Oregon, and western Nevada, as per the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The plague is commonly transmitted through flea bites from wild rodents. (Vishal Bhatnagar/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
The disease is primarily found in Africa.
THE BUBONIC PLAGUE INFLUENCED EVOLUTION OF THE HUMAN IMMUNE SYSTEM, NEW STUDY SUGGESTS
Pneumonic plague, which impacts the lungs, is the most lethal form of the disease. Despite causing millions of deaths in Europe during the Black Death of the 14th century, it can now be effectively treated with antibiotics.
An etching called “The Plague Victims of Rome.” The Black Death claimed millions of lives in Europe during the 14th century. (Ken Welsh/Design Pics/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Pneumonic plague leads to severe pneumonia and respiratory failure, as per the Cleveland Clinic.
Bubonic plague is the most common type, affecting the lymph nodes. Septicemic plague is the least frequent form, impacting the bloodstream.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The plague is typically spread through flea bites from wild rodents or contact with an infected animal, and can even be transmitted person-to-person through the air.
The Arizona Department of Health Services has not yet responded to requests for comment from Fox News Digital.
