Two new cases of the plague—yes, that plague—have been reported in New Mexico.
Two women, one 52 years old and the other 62, were hospitalized. Another case was reported earlier this year.
According to the New Mexico Department of Health, the plague is a bacterial disease of rodents and is generally transmitted to humans through the bites of infected fleas, but can also be transmitted by direct contact with infected animals, including rodents, wildlife and pets. Plague can be present in fleas that infest wild rodents in Santa Fe County, including the city limits of Santa Fe, and several other New Mexico counties.
The World Health Organization says there are three primary types of the plague: bubonic, pneumonic and septicaemic.
None of the New Mexico patients died, but early detection is critical.
Antibiotics and supportive therapy are effective against plague if patients are diagnosed in time, WHO says. Preventive measures include informing people when zoonotic plague is present in their environment and advising them to take precautions against flea bites and not to handle animal carcasses. People, especially health workers, should also avoid direct contact with infected tissues such as buboes, or close exposure to patients with pneumonic plague.
The plague is often considered a form of pestilence. Christ Himself warned about the increase in sickness in the last days.
In Luke 21, He warned:
Then He said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. Great earthquakes will occur in various places, and there will be famines and pestilence. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven.“But before all these things, they will seize you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for My name’s sake. It will turn out as a testimony for you. Therefore resolve in your hearts beforehand not to practice your defense. For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your opponents will be able to neither refute nor resist. You will be betrayed by parents and brothers and relatives and friends. And they will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all men for My name’s sake, but not a hair of your head shall perish. In your endurance you will gain your souls (Luke 21:10-18). {eoa}.
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