Fleas tested positive for the the bubonic plague in two counties in Arizona, with public health officials warning the infectious disease that claimed millions in the Middle Ages may exist in other nearby locations, too.
The plague's presence in Arizona follows three confirmed human cases in New Mexico earlier this year.
Officials became wary of the problem after prairie dogs began dropping dead on a resident's property near Williams, Ariz., some 30 miles west of Flagstaff. Fleas in the area later tested positive for the Yersinia pestis, the bacterium that causes the plague.
Of the 12 coaches, Rush picked the one whose fans have the deepest passion, the longest memories, the greatest lung capacity and … did I mention deep passion?
Still hanging around out there. 10-15 cases per year in the Western US.
Infection in all forms can be fatal unless treated immediately with antibiotics, such as streptomycin. Mortality rates for treated individuals range from 1 percent to 15 percent for bubonic plague to 40 percent for septicemic plague. In untreated victims, the rates rise to about 50 percent for bubonic and 100 percent for septicemic. The mortality rate for untreated pneumonic plague is 100 percent; death occurs within 24 hours.
Low mortality rate if it's diagnosed in time and if you're in a developed country. Sucks to be you if you get it in Southern Utah.
'A parent is the one person who is supposed to make their kid think they can do anything. Says they're beautiful even when they're ugly. Thinks they're smart even when they go to Arizona State.' -- Jack Donaghy
I had a HS teacher whose fiance died from it in the 90's. He was an equestrian instructor. Sad deal. Seems like everything in Arizona wants to kill you.
