04/09/2026
Public Advisory Notice #003-26
๐ก๐๐ฉ๐๐๐ข ๐๐๐ฃ๐๐ฅ๐ง๐ ๐๐ก๐ง ๐ข๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ฆ๐ฆ๐จ๐๐ฆ ๐ฃ๐จ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ฉ๐๐ฆ๐ข๐ฅ๐ฌ ๐ก๐ข๐ง๐๐๐ (๐ฃ๐๐๐ก) ๐๐ข๐ฅ ๐๐ข๐ก๐๐๐ฅ๐ ๐๐ ๐ฃ๐๐๐๐จ๐ ๐๐๐ฆ๐ ๐๐ก ๐๐ฃ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ข๐จ๐ก๐ง๐ฌ (๐ฌ๐ฐ/๐ฌ๐ด/๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฒ)
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. โ The Navajo Department of Health (NDOH), in coordination with the Dinรฉ Bikรฉyah Public Health Team, has confirmed a case of plague in Apache County within the Navajo Nation. The individual has fully recovered following appropriate medical treatment. This marks the first confirmed plague case in Apache County since 2015 and the fourth reported case since 2006. At this time, public health officials indicate the risk to the public remains low.
The Dinรฉ Bikรฉyah Public Health Team is working closely with local, state, and federal partners to conduct environmental assessments, identify potential exposure risks, and ensure appropriate prevention and response measures are implemented to protect community members.
โWhile plague is rare, we remain vigilant in protecting the health and safety of the Navajo Nation,โ said NDOH Executive Director Sherylene Yazzie. โThrough strong partnerships and proactive public health response, we are working to ensure families have the information they need to reduce risk and protect themselves. Our priority is keeping our tribal communities safe through awareness, prevention, and early treatment.โ
WHAT IS PLAGUE?
Plague is a rare but serious bacterial infection caused by Yersinia pestis. It is most commonly spread through the bite of infected fleas that live on rodents such as prairie dogs, squirrels, and rats. In some cases, plague can also be transmitted through direct contact with infected animals or their tissues.
Plague occurs naturally in parts of the southwestern United States, including Arizona, where the bacteria circulates among wild rodent populations and their fleas.
SYMPTOMS:
Symptoms typically appear within 2โ6 days after exposure and may include:
โข Sudden onset of fever and chills
โข Headache and muscle aches
โข Fatigue or weakness
โข Swollen, painful lymph nodes (commonly called โbuboesโ)
โข In more severe cases, cough, difficulty breathing, or bloodstream infection
Anyone experiencing these symptoms after possible exposure to rodents or fleas should seek medical care as soon as possible.
TREATMENT:
Plague is treatable with antibiotics, especially when identified early. Quick medical care significantly improves outcomes, so seek immediate medical attention at your nearest health care clinic or IHS hospital.
PREVENTION TIPS:
Individuals can reduce their risk by taking the following precautions:
โข Avoid contact with wild rodents and their burrows
โข Use insect repellent when outdoors
โข Keep pets free of fleas and avoid allowing them to roam or hunt rodents
โข Do not handle sick or dead animals
โข Keep yards clean and free of debris that may attract rodents
CONTACT INFORMATION:
โข Navajo Department of Health @ (928) 357-6757
โข Navajo Epidemiology Center @ (928) 871-6539
โข Apache County Public Health Services District @ (928) 333-6432
โข Centers for Disease Control and Prevention @ https://www.cdc.gov/plague/about/
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