Arizona: Fleas test positive for plague near Flagstaff
April 29, 2020 as reported by Outbreak News Today
Health officials in Coconino County, AZ are reporting that fleas collected in the Baderville area, northwest of Flagstaff, have tested positive for plague (Yersinia pestis). Collecting and testing of fleas for the presence of plague was conducted by the Pathogen and Microbiome Institute at Northern Arizona University.
Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) notified area residents and the burrows were treated. The area will be closely monitored to determine if further action is required.
This is the first location within the County where fleas have tested positive for plague this year. Because the disease is endemic in Coconino County, there are likely additional locations with infected fleas. CCHHS Environmental Health staff will continue to collect and test flea samples from locations throughout the County.
