UK health officials have issued a travel warning after a fatal case of plague was confirmed in New Mexico, just as thousands of British tourists are in the United States for the World Cup. The Foreign Office-backed Travel Health Pro website highlighted the death of a woman from Santa Fe County, marking the first human plague case in New Mexico in 2026.
Details of the Case
The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) reported that the woman died from plague. Officials have contacted close associates of the deceased and are conducting an environmental assessment to determine ongoing risks. No other close contacts have shown symptoms consistent with plague.
Erin Phipps, state public health veterinarian for NMDOH, expressed condolences and emphasized the need for community awareness. "This tragedy emphasises the need for heightened community awareness and for taking measures to prevent plague infections," she said.
What is Plague?
Plague is a bacterial illness carried by rodents and found across much of the western United States. It is primarily transmitted to humans through bites from infected fleas on wild rodents or domestic pets. Direct contact with infected animals can also spread the disease. People with plague in their lungs can transmit it through coughing.
Symptoms and Treatment
Symptoms in humans include sudden fever, chills, headache, fatigue, and painful swelling of lymph nodes in the groin, armpit, or neck. Prompt diagnosis and antibiotic treatment significantly reduce death rates. Physicians suspecting plague should report it to NMDOH immediately.
Prevention Measures
NMDOH recommends the following precautions:
- Avoid sick or dead rodents, rabbits, and their nests or burrows.
- Clean up areas near homes where rodents live, such as woodpiles, brush, junk, and abandoned vehicles. Store hay, wood, and compost piles away from homes.
- Use insect repellent containing DEET on skin and clothing, or permethrin on clothing, while hiking, camping, or working outdoors.
- Consult a doctor for any unexplained sudden fever or severe illness.
Recent Cases
New Mexico recorded three human plague cases in 2025 and one fatal case in 2024. In 2026, three dogs have been diagnosed with plague, while in 2025, one cat and four dogs contracted the disease.
Travel Health Pro Advice
Travel Health Pro stated that plague is no longer a risk in the UK but is still reported in Africa, Asia, South America, and the USA. Most human cases occur in Africa, with Madagascar being the most affected country. The site distinguishes between bubonic plague (transmitted by flea bites, causing swollen lymph nodes) and pneumonic plague (the most severe form, spreading to the lungs and potentially fatal if untreated).
Prevention tips include using DEET repellents, wearing long trousers, avoiding contact with dead animals or infected tissues, and avoiding areas with recent plague reports. No plague vaccine is currently available in the UK.
