logo
Arizona Resident Dies of Plague After Being Rushed to Emergency Room

Arizona Resident Dies of Plague After Being Rushed to Emergency Room

Yahoo12-07-2025
One person has died of the plague in Northern Arizona, health officials confirmed July 11
The person was treated at a local emergency room and died the same day, per NBC News
Coconino County Health and Human Services said the risk of human transmission is "very low"One person has died of the bacteria that causes the plague in Northern Arizona, near Flagstaff, officials confirmed.
Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) said in a July 11 statement that a county resident was confirmed to have died from pneumonic plague, As CCHHS said, it's 'a severe lung infection caused by the Yersinia pestis bacterium.'
'Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the deceased,' Coconino County Board of Supervisors Chair Patrice Horstman said in the statement. 'We are keeping them in our thoughts during this difficult time. Out of respect for the family, no additional information about the death will be released.'
The patient arrived at Flagstaff Medical Center Emergency Department and died the same day, per a report by NBC News.
CCHHS did say the death was not related to recent reports of prairie dogs dying in the Townsend Winona area, which some officials had linked to the plague, according to a report in AZ Central.
The plague is caused by the Yersinia pestis bacterium and is transmitted to people by rodent fleas, or by handling an infected animal, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control says. It manifests first as the bubonic plague, with symptoms that include fever, headache, chills, weakness and swollen, painful lymph nodes. The disease, if untreated, may progress into septicemic plague, which causes abdominal pain, shock, and bleeding into the skin.
Pneumonic plague occurs when the disease progresses past septicemic or bubonic. It's the 'most serious form of the disease,' the CDC says, and the only type that can be spread from person to person. It's marked by 'rapidly developing pneumonia with shortness of breath, chest pain, cough, and sometimes bloody or watery mucous.'
The CDC notes that 'plague is a very serious illness but treatable with commonly available antibiotics.'
CCHHS cautioned residents to avoid contact with wild animals, especially rodents, and to avoid fleas by using an insect repellant '20-30 percent DEET and tuck pant cuffs into your socks to help prevent flea bites.'
The agency urged residents to be see veterinary care for pets, and to be especially mindful of cats, who who are 'highly susceptible to plague.'
CCHHS said "the risk of human-to-human transmission is very low."
Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Read the original article on People
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

RFK Jr. hiked 'extremely difficult' Phoenix trail in July heat
RFK Jr. hiked 'extremely difficult' Phoenix trail in July heat

Yahoo

time2 days ago

  • Yahoo

RFK Jr. hiked 'extremely difficult' Phoenix trail in July heat

PHOENIX - Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. hiked one of Arizona's most iconic sites over the weekend, donning a pair of blue jeans to climb the popular Camelback Mountain peak during what is often the state's hottest month of the year. Kennedy made the climb with his son, William "Finn" Kennedy. 'With Finn atop Camelback in Phoenix this morning,' Kennedy said, sharing a photo of the pair at 11:30 a.m. MST on July 19 on X. Camelback Mountain is an iconic Phoenix hiking destination. Both of Camelback's main trails are rated 'extremely difficult,' according to the city of Phoenix. The trails entail steep elevation gains, uneven terrain and 'a path that is unprotected from the elements.' 'Only experienced hikers' should attempt the trail 'during optimal weather conditions,' according to the city. The summit sits 2,704 feet above sea level. With Finn atop Camelback in Phoenix this morning. — Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) July 19, 2025 Kyle Herrig, 47, was headed down Echo Canyon Trail on July 19 when he encountered Kennedy hiking up the trail at around 8 a.m. The health secretary was with his son and two other young men, Herrig told The Republic, a USA TODAY Network partner. Herrig did a double-take when he realized who was walking toward him. He said hello to Kennedy and thanked him for the work he's doing at HHS. Kennedy then offered to snap a few selfies on the trail. The moment was particularly noteworthy for Herrig, who lives in Chandler, Arizona, because he has a passion for health and fitness. He's the owner of Triplex Training in Chandler and Scottsdale. 'I thought that was kind of cool,' Herrig said. 'Meeting probably one of the most influential health people in the country right now.' Kennedy's signature T-shirt and jeans made him 'even more recognizable,' Herrig said. Kennedy has been seen working out in denim countless times. 'I glanced at him, and was like, 'You're going old school today, huh? Rocking the blue jeans,'' Herrig said. 'He said, 'Yeah, that was a bad idea.'' Hiking Camelback Mountain in the summertime is not for the faint of heart. Dozens of people are rescued from Camelback Mountain each year because of its terrain. The Phoenix Fire Department encourages hikers to avoid hiking between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., and stay off trails entirely during excessive heat warnings. The National Weather Service did not issue an excessive heat warning on July 19, the day Kennedy hiked Camelback Mountain with his son. The high temperature was 107 degrees and the low was 87 degrees on July 19, according to National Weather Service Warning Coordination Meteorologist Tom Frieders. Hikers should still be careful in those conditions, he noted. 'There's still a moderate heat risk, which means that it can be impactful, even fatal, if necessary precautions aren't taken,' Friders said. 'Any time temperatures are above 100 degrees, for sure, you need to definitely stay hydrated, and we still try to tell people to do those outdoor activities earlier on in the day when it's not as hot.' Kennedy's Health and Human Services Department oversees key government agencies including the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Indian Health Service and the Food and Drug Administration, among others. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services did not respond to a request for comment. Kennedy is a familiar face in Arizona. He made an official visit to the state in April, where he promoted the 'Make America Healthy Again' agenda and railed against ultraprocessed foods at the state Capitol. Last year, Kennedy ended his independent bid for president during an Arizona visit and endorsed President Donald Trump. Kennedy returned to Glendale to campaign for Trump, where made headlines by revealing that he was under investigation 'for collecting a whale specimen 20 years ago.' Stephanie Murray covers national politics and the Trump administration for The Arizona Republic and Reach her via email at and on X, Bluesky, TikTok and Threads @stephanie_murr. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: RFK Jr. hiked Phoenix's Camelback Mountain in July heat wearing jeans

Is Your Iced Coffee Making You Dehydrated in the Summer Heat? I Asked the Experts
Is Your Iced Coffee Making You Dehydrated in the Summer Heat? I Asked the Experts

CNET

time2 days ago

  • CNET

Is Your Iced Coffee Making You Dehydrated in the Summer Heat? I Asked the Experts

As the summer sun beats down, we should all stay hydrated, as dehydration can increase our risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. However, when I saw the National Weather Service in Las Vegas advising residents across parts of California, Nevada and Arizona to stop drinking caffeine in extreme heat to prevent dehydration, I wondered if that was taking things too far. To find out whether caffeine actually causes dehydration to the point where you need to put your iced coffee down, I consulted three experts. Does coffee cause dehydration? "Caffeine, the main active ingredient in coffee, does have a mild diuretic effect," explains Jessica McAllister, MS, RDN, a registered dietitian based in Honolulu, HI. "However, the common idea that drinking coffee automatically causes significant dehydration, especially in hot weather, is an oversimplification that deserves a closer look." A diuretic is a substance that increases the production of urine. Though coffee mildly has this effect, McAllister states that for healthy individuals, moderate coffee intake doesn't cause dehydration, but can instead contribute to daily fluid intake. Zeitlin adds that what is being talked about in NWS Las Vegas's post is caffeine, which isn't just in coffee. It can also be found in sodas, energy drinks and chocolate. She advises that people keep their caffeine intake to about 300mg daily. This is about 1-2 cups (8-16 ounces of drip coffee) or 1-2 shots of espresso daily. If you stick to this and are otherwise healthy, Zeitlin states that you don't need to be concerned about the outside temperature. Amelia Ti, a registered dietitian and diabetes educator in New York City, who is also part of CNET's medical review board, adds, "It's not a major concern unless you're already at risk (e.g., high blood pressure or other cardiac issues) or heat-sensitive. The main concern with drinking coffee when it's hot out is that caffeine may mask early signs of dehydration or overheating, especially if you're sweating a lot or not replenishing fluids adequately." Boy_Anupong/Getty Images Is coffee a vasoconstrictor? In response to these caffeine-dehydration headlines, one Bluesky user stated that the issue isn't dehydration. It's actually vasoconstriction, which is the narrowing of the blood vessels. When I asked McAllister about this, she said, "Studies have found that while caffeine can cause some blood vessel narrowing, or vasoconstriction, this doesn't necessarily translate to reduced heat dissipation or increased body temperature in real life." Zeitlin agrees, stating, "The kernel of truth is that yes, caffeine is a vasoconstrictor, which means it constricts your blood vessels, and preventing heat stroke (or any stroke) requires our blood running freely, unconstructed around our body." However, for coffee to significantly affect your blood vessels, it depends on three factors: how sensitive you are to caffeine, how much caffeine you drink and your personal health and medical history. "If you drink water throughout the day, you eat a variety of fruits and vegetables in your diet and your doctor has never directly told you to monitor your caffeine intake, then you can comfortably enjoy 1-2 cups of coffee without stressing," concludes Zeitlin. On the other hand, if you have a cardiac health history, you should check with your doctor to figure out your daily caffeine limit. Do experts recommend that people stop drinking coffee in the heat? "I wouldn't recommend that most people completely stop consuming coffee just because it's hot out, as long as you're staying hydrated and not over-consuming," says Ti. "I would recommend opting for an iced coffee, limiting extra-large or multiple cups of coffee or other caffeinated drinks, especially if you're sweating more, and watching out for signs of heat exhaustion like dizziness, rapid heart rate, nausea, headache or clammy skin." Oleh_Slobodeniuk/Getty Images McAllister agrees, as long as your coffee consumption doesn't replace more hydrating fluids, like water, especially if you're sweating heavily. "I don't think there's sufficient scientific evidence to support avoiding coffee when it's hot outside," she states. "For one, most people drink coffee for either the 'pick-me-up' or to warm up. If you're drinking coffee, you're likely to be outside in hot weather for only a short time, so you should be able to stay cool and drink plenty of water to minimize your risk of dehydration or overheating." Zeitlin is on the same page. "I recommend people keep coffee to 1-2 cups daily, regardless of the weather, and to drink a full glass of water for every cup or shot of espresso they have and enjoy it," she says. "But if your doctor told you to avoid caffeine for any reason, then do so." Important precautions to take in the summer heat Though you may not have to worry about your coffee consumption in the heat as much as headlines are saying, you should still exercise certain precautions when it's hot out this summer. Increase fluid intake: "Drink water regularly throughout the day, and consider including electrolyte-rich beverages if you're sweating heavily or exposed to the heat for longer than 1 hour," says McAllister. Zeitlin adds that drinking more water on hotter-than-normal days "means 2-4 glasses more than your usual baseline water intake." Add electrolytes if sweating heavily: "Precautions I would recommend in hotter-than-normal temperatures include hydrating with water and adding electrolytes if you're sweating heavily or outside in the heat for long periods of time," states Ti. Drink a glass of water before coffee: "A good general rule for anytime you consume coffee is to first have an 8-ounce glass of water," says Zeitlin. "Your body's response to the caffeine will be more gentle and prevent jitters." Avoid excessive alcohol: "Drinking alcohol can increase your chances of getting dehydrated, particularly if you're spending a lot of time outdoors," explains McAllister. Consume foods with high water content: Ti specifically recommends watermelon, berries and greens. McAllister adds that cucumber, oranges and strawberries are great for this, especially if you don't love drinking water. Eat raw fruits and vegetables: "Raw fruits and veggies will hydrate you with their own water content and give you essential minerals (aka electrolytes) to help prevent you from dehydrating," states Zeitlin. "Cooked veggies are great for those minerals, but you'll be cooking out the water content." Skip workouts at the hottest part of the day: Unless your body is used to the heat, Ti advises scheduling your high-intensity workouts for a cooler time. Exercise indoors: On a similar note, Zeitlin states, "Stay indoors in the air conditioning when possible and change your outdoor exercise routine to an indoor one on these super-hot days." Listen to your body: McAllister stresses the importance of remaining vigilant about signs of heat exhaustion, which include dizziness, headache or nausea. If you feel unwell, move to a cooler area.

RFK Jr.'s choice of attire while hiking in Arizona sparks online chatter
RFK Jr.'s choice of attire while hiking in Arizona sparks online chatter

Yahoo

time2 days ago

  • Yahoo

RFK Jr.'s choice of attire while hiking in Arizona sparks online chatter

The Brief Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. was seen hiking Camelback Mountain in Phoenix on July 19. The hike sparked online chatter, however, as RFK Jr. was seen hiking in jeans, during a normally hot part of the year for Arizona. It is not known if RFK Jr. was in Phoenix for business or for vacation. PHOENIX - Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was spotted hiking Camelback Mountain over the weekend, and what he was wearing is causing some chatter on the internet. What we know "It really made my day, it was really cool," said Matt Larson, who met Kennedy on the trail. It's a meeting Larson said he will never forget. He said he was hiking Camelback Mountain when someone caught his eye. "I noticed what appeared to be a senior," said Larson. "I didn't have my contacts in, so I couldn't see very well, but he had a group of people around him, and they were very close to him, and I thought he must have had an issue, like fall or a heatstroke." As they were walking down the Echo side of the trail, Larson walked up to offer some water. "When I got close, I noticed the older person was talking politics to the people rescuing him," Larson recounted. "I remember thinking: wow, leave it to an old white, boomer guy to be talking politics on his potential deathbed." Then, the pieces started falling together. "At that point I was close enough, where I recognized him, and I was like 'woah. Is that [RFK Jr.]?" Larson said. Larson then asked the men with the Health Secretary, which he then realized were security, for a selfie. Larson said Kennedy himself snapped the photo. "It was about 92°, I think, temperature wise, at that point, so very impressive for him to have done that at his age," Larson said. Hiker Deric Keller, who took a selfie with Kennedy and a friend, said they met him around 6:00 a.m. when he first started up the trail. They said the weather wasn't too bad, and that they even chatted with him for a few minutes. Dig deeper Online, Kennedy posted a photo on his X page at the summit, garnering some admiration and some criticism for both the jeans attire and hiking in the heat. "I remember thinking, 'that wouldn't be my choice of hiking apparel in this weather,' but you know, kinda a generational thing," said Larson. "It's what my dad would have probably hiked in, so makes sense." Larson, however, added that "it is pretty risky to be hiking if you're not acclimated to our weather in the heat." Larson said politics aside, he's still in disbelief over the chance encounter on the hard hike. "I let a few of my friends know — I don't know if you know this, but RFK is actually in better shape than you," he said. The other side The Department of Health and Human Services communications team has not yet confirmed if Kennedy was in Arizona for business, or if he was on vacation. Solve the daily Crossword

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store