A recent pneumonic plague death in Northern Arizona, the first since 2007, has raised concerns about this rare but deadly disease. Caused by Yersinia pestis, it affects the lungs and spreads through respiratory droplets or from untreated bubonic/septicemic plague.

An Arizona resident has died from the plague as officials were probing whether a prairie dog die-off in the area was also tied to the lethal illness.

A Coconino County resident died of pneumonic plague at Flagstaff Medical Center, the first such death since 2007. Caused by Yersinia pestis, the case is unrelated to a nearby prairie dog die-off. Health officials urge vigilance and early treatment.