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News
A young man in Arizona died from pneumonic plague after exposure to two sick indoor cats — marking the state's first pneumonic plague death since 2007. The case, detailed in a new MMWR report, highlights how cats are a recognized but underappreciated source of this rare and rapidly fatal disease. Forty-six contacts received post-exposure antibiotics as a precaution.
A young Arizona man died from pneumonic plague after occupational exposure to two sick indoor cats, according to a newly published CDC report in MMWR. He presented to the ED with abdominal pain, chest pain, and a dry cough — symptoms initially mistaken for hantavirus or bacterial pneumonia. Despite aggressive treatment and oxygen therapy, he died less than 8 hours after admission, making it Arizona's first pneumonic plague death since 2007.
Investigators traced the likely source to two domestic cats the man had contact with 4–5 days before symptoms appeared. Both cats showed signs consistent with pneumonic plague and were euthanized before testing could confirm infection. Inhalation transmission from the cats was identified as the probable route of exposure. Forty-six contacts — including household members, coworkers, and hospital staff — were given a 7-day course of oral ciprofloxacin as post-exposure prophylaxis.
Key Takeaways:
Why it matters: With only ~5 U.S. plague cases reported annually, pneumonic plague is easy to overlook — but its rapid progression and high fatality rate make early recognition critical. This case underscores the importance of asking about animal exposures and acting fast.
