Arizona resident dies from plague

A resident of Arizona, United States, has died after contracting pneumonic plague, health officials announced last Friday.

This marks the first confirmed case of plague in the area since 2007, according to Coconino County Health and Human Services.

The plague, also known as the "Black Death," was responsible for wiping out nearly half of Europe’s population in the 14th century. Today, cases are extremely rare and the illness is treatable with antibiotics.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an average of seven people contract plague each year in the United States.

"Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the deceased. 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," said Patrice Horstman, Chair of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors, in a statement.

(QG - Source: BBC - Picture : © Unsplash)