Deadly Pneumonic Plague Resurfaces in Northern Arizona: A Stark Warning for American Public Health

In a grim reminder that threats to American health can emerge from unexpected quarters, Northern Arizona has recorded its first death from pneumonic plague since 2007. This fatal case, confirmed by local officials in Coconino County near Flagstaff, underscores a dangerous reality often ignored by Washington: even centuries-old diseases remain a national security concern.Why Are Deadly Diseases Lurking Where We Least Expect Them?Plague, the bacterial infection that decimated Europe’s population in the Middle Ages, is still present today — particularly across the American West. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that about seven human cases occur annually...