New Mexico Woman Dies From Plague in State’s First 2026 Case

When you hear someone talking about “The Plague” you probably think they’re talking about a movie or something that happened years ago. Well, it’s 2026 and this is no movie because New Mexico health officials have confirmed the state's first human plague case of 2026 after a Santa Fe County woman died from the disease.

According to the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH), plague is a rare but serious bacterial infection that is commonly found in rodents throughout the western United States. 

Health officials say they are working to identify and contact individuals who may have been in close contact with the woman to assess potential exposure and monitor for symptoms.

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What Exactly is The Plague?

If you’re not familiar with what the Plague is, here's a quick history on it. The Plague is most famously known for causing the "Black Death," one of the deadliest pandemics in human history. 

The disease swept through Europe, Asia, and North Africa during the mid-1300s, killing an estimated 25 million people in Europe alone.

While modern medicine and antibiotics have made plague far less deadly today when treated quickly, the bacteria still exists naturally in wild rodent populations in parts of the western United States, including New Mexico, where health officials continue to monitor cases each year.

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What Are The Symptoms For The Plague

The NMDOH is urging residents to be aware of plague symptoms, which can appear suddenly and include fever, chills, headache, weakness, and painful swelling of lymph nodes, particularly in the groin, armpit, or neck.

To reduce the risk of infection, health officials recommend avoiding sick or dead rodents and rabbits, cleaning up areas around homes where rodents may live, and keeping wood piles, hay, and compost away from residences. 

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Residents spending time outdoors are encouraged to use insect repellents containing DEET and ensure their pets are protected with veterinarian-approved flea control products.

Anyone experiencing a sudden, severe fever or other symptoms associated with plague should seek medical attention immediately.

New Mexico reported three human plague cases in 2025. Health officials also reported three dogs diagnosed with plague so far in 2026.