Health and Me

Ishita Roy

Diagnostic Anomaly: In This Remote Town, A Rare Disease Runs in the Family, Everyone Is A Cousin

In This Remote Town, A Rare Disease Runs in the Family, Everyone Is A Cousin

<em>'<span rel="noindex">Diagnostic Anomaly</span>' is a Health And Me Series, where we dive deep into some of the rarest of <span rel="noindex">rare diseases</span>. Here, we trace such diseases and what causes them. We also try to bring case studies around the same.</em>

Before biologist Silvana Santos set foot in Serrinha dos Pintos, a remote Brazilian town tucked into the mountains of Rio Grande do Norte, families had long lived with unanswered questions. As BBC reports, the children there were losing the ability to walk, often before reaching adulthood. No one knew why—until Santos arrived more than two decades ago and uncovered a genetic mystery that would put the town on the global medical map.

With fewer than 5,000 residents, Serrinha dos Pintos had long operated as a close-knit, self-contained community. But beneath the surface of everyday life was a recurring pattern: a growing number of children unable to walk, gradually losing strength in their limbs. 

When Santos, a geneticist from São Paulo, arrived for what was meant to be a short holiday, she didn’t just see a town—she saw a puzzle.

That puzzle led her to discover and name <span>Spoan syndrome</span>, as BBC reports, a previously unidentified genetic disorder that weakens the nervous system and affects motor control. It only develops when both parents carry the mutated gene, a scenario made more likely in Serrinha due to a high rate of intermarriage within extended families.

<h4>The Town Where Family Ties Run Deep</h4>

In Serrinha, it’s common for cousins to marry—a reflection of the town’s geographic isolation and cultural traditions. Santos’s early studies found that more than 30% of couples in the town were related, and a significant number of these unions had produced at least one child with a disability.

Worldwide, cousin marriages are not uncommon, but they come with higher genetic risks. In Brazil, such marriages account for only 1–4% of unions, compared to over 50% in countries like Pakistan. While most children born to cousin couples are healthy, the chance of recessive genetic disorders, like Spoan, doubles to about 5–6% per pregnancy.

<h4>From Diagnosis to Global Discovery</h4>

Santos’s investigation didn’t end with just a diagnosis. What began as a three-month field visit evolved into years of research. 

She drove thousands of kilometres, collected DNA samples door-to-door, and documented family trees over coffee and conversation. Her work culminated in a groundbreaking 2005 study that identified Spoan syndrome and traced its genetic roots.

The syndrome, she found, was caused by the loss of a tiny fragment of a chromosome, triggering a malfunction in brain cells. While local legends pinned the condition on a randy ancestor named Maximiano, genetic evidence suggests the mutation arrived over 500 years ago with European settlers—most likely Sephardic Jews or Moors fleeing the Inquisition.

To date, 83 cases have been confirmed globally—including two in Egypt—strengthening the theory of a shared Iberian ancestry.

<h4>Changing the Conversation Around Disability</h4>

Santos’s discovery didn’t just change medical records; it reshaped local attitudes. 

Once dismissed with slurs like “crippled,” residents with Spoan are now recognised by name, their condition understood with empathy and scientific clarity. Many have received motorised wheelchairs and occupational therapy, improving not just mobility but also dignity.

For Inés, whose two sons are among the oldest living Spoan patients in the town, the transformation is bittersweet. “We love our children the same,” she says, “but we suffer for them.” By age 50, most Spoan patients require full-time care.

While a cure for Spoan remains distant, education and awareness are proving powerful tools. Santos is now part of a major government-backed initiative to genetically screen 5,000 couples for risk of recessive diseases. The goal isn’t to discourage cousin marriages, but to provide informed choices for families like Larissa and Saulo—who only discovered they were distantly related after months of dating.

Santos, now a university professor, continues to lead a genetics education centre and remains deeply involved in outreach in Brazil’s northeast. She may no longer live in Serrinha, but to locals, she’s more than a scientist.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

Diagnostic anomaly

spoan syndrome

health and wellness

rare disease

rare diseases

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'Diagnostic Anomaly' is a Health And Me Series, where we dive deep into some of the rarest of rare diseases. Here, we trace such diseases and what causes them. We also try to bring case studies around the same.Before biologist Silvana Santos set foot in Serrinha dos Pintos, a remote Brazilian town tucked into the mountains of Rio Grande do Norte, families had long lived with unanswered questions. As BBC reports, the children there were losing the ability to walk, often before reaching adulthood. No one knew why—until Santos arrived more than two decades ago and uncovered a genetic mystery that would put the town on the global medical map.A Name for the NamelessWith fewer than 5,000 residents, Serrinha dos Pintos had long operated as a close-knit, self-contained community. But beneath the surface of everyday life was a recurring pattern: a growing number of children unable to walk, gradually losing strength in their limbs. When Santos, a geneticist from São Paulo, arrived for what was meant to be a short holiday, she didn’t just see a town—she saw a puzzle.That puzzle led her to discover and name Spoan syndrome, as BBC reports, a previously unidentified genetic disorder that weakens the nervous system and affects motor control. It only develops when both parents carry the mutated gene, a scenario made more likely in Serrinha due to a high rate of intermarriage within extended families.The Town Where Family Ties Run DeepIn Serrinha, it’s common for cousins to marry—a reflection of the town’s geographic isolation and cultural traditions. Santos’s early studies found that more than 30% of couples in the town were related, and a significant number of these unions had produced at least one child with a disability.Worldwide, cousin marriages are not uncommon, but they come with higher genetic risks. In Brazil, such marriages account for only 1–4% of unions, compared to over 50% in countries like Pakistan. While most children born to cousin couples are healthy, the chance of recessive genetic disorders, like Spoan, doubles to about 5–6% per pregnancy.From Diagnosis to Global DiscoverySantos’s investigation didn’t end with just a diagnosis. What began as a three-month field visit evolved into years of research. She drove thousands of kilometres, collected DNA samples door-to-door, and documented family trees over coffee and conversation. Her work culminated in a groundbreaking 2005 study that identified Spoan syndrome and traced its genetic roots.The syndrome, she found, was caused by the loss of a tiny fragment of a chromosome, triggering a malfunction in brain cells. While local legends pinned the condition on a randy ancestor named Maximiano, genetic evidence suggests the mutation arrived over 500 years ago with European settlers—most likely Sephardic Jews or Moors fleeing the Inquisition.To date, 83 cases have been confirmed globally—including two in Egypt—strengthening the theory of a shared Iberian ancestry.Changing the Conversation Around DisabilitySantos’s discovery didn’t just change medical records; it reshaped local attitudes. Once dismissed with slurs like “crippled,” residents with Spoan are now recognised by name, their condition understood with empathy and scientific clarity. Many have received motorised wheelchairs and occupational therapy, improving not just mobility but also dignity.For Inés, whose two sons are among the oldest living Spoan patients in the town, the transformation is bittersweet. “We love our children the same,” she says, “but we suffer for them.” By age 50, most Spoan patients require full-time care.A Way To Go AheadWhile a cure for Spoan remains distant, education and awareness are proving powerful tools. Santos is now part of a major government-backed initiative to genetically screen 5,000 couples for risk of recessive diseases. The goal isn’t to discourage cousin marriages, but to provide informed choices for families like Larissa and Saulo—who only discovered they were distantly related after months of dating.Santos, now a university professor, continues to lead a genetics education centre and remains deeply involved in outreach in Brazil’s northeast. She may no longer live in Serrinha, but to locals, she’s more than a scientist.“She’s family,” says Inés.

diagnostic anomaly: in this remote town, a rare disease runs in the family, everyone is a cousin

Tanya Dutt

Where Do Gluten Reactions Start In The Body?  Scientists Finally Found The Source

Nutrition

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Over 1 in 100 people worldwide living with <span>celiac disease</span>, consuming even trace amounts of gluten can trigger debilitating symptoms — from severe abdominal pain to long-term complications like malnutrition and increased cancer risk. But despite decades of research, the exact origin of these immune reactions remained something of a mystery.

Now, scientists may have pinpointed the elusive starting point of gluten-triggered immune attacks. In a landmark study published in Gastroenterology, researchers from McMaster University in Canada, along with international collaborators, have uncovered a pivotal role played by the cells lining the gut — not just as bystanders but as active agents in the cascade that defines celiac disease. This finding could pave the way for more precise, non-dietary therapies.

Celiac disease is a chronic autoimmune condition triggered by gluten — a group of structural proteins found in wheat, barley, and rye. While most people digest gluten without issue, those with celiac disease experience an abnormal immune reaction that damages the small intestine.

The symptoms range from bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea to fatigue, skin rashes, and nutrient deficiencies. Over time, untreated celiac disease can lead to serious complications including osteoporosis, infertility, and gastrointestinal cancers.

Currently, the only effective treatment is lifelong strict avoidance of gluten — a tall order, given how ubiquitous gluten is in processed food, sauces, and even medications.

One clue to the mystery lies in genetics. Nearly 90% of people with celiac disease carry a specific protein called HLA-DQ2.5, while most of the rest carry HLA-DQ8. These proteins are part of a group called human leukocyte antigens (HLAs), which present bits of proteins to the immune system — essentially acting like flags that identify threats.

In people with celiac disease, HLA-DQ2.5 or DQ8 mistakenly flags gluten fragments as dangerous, prompting an aggressive immune response. But not everyone who carries these genes gets the disease — suggesting something else is required to flip the switch.

<h2>Link Between Your Gut Cells and Gluten</h2>

Until now, it wasn’t fully understood how gluten peptides made their way past the gut lining and into the immune system’s crosshairs. The McMaster-led study changes that.

By using transgenic mice — mice genetically engineered to carry human versions of the HLA genes — researchers were able to simulate celiac disease at the cellular level. They grew miniature gut models known as organoids, made from real mouse intestinal cells, to observe what happens when gluten meets the gut lining.

What they found was striking: the epithelial cells lining the gut aren’t passive observers — they actively participate in the immune reaction.

These cells release a transporting enzyme that binds to gluten peptides and modifies them, making them even more visible to the immune system. The cells then present these altered gluten fragments directly to immune cells, triggering inflammation.

In other words, your own gut lining might be the place where celiac disease begins.

<h2>Gut Microbes Could Be Amplifying the Problem</h2>

Another major insight: inflammation and gut microbes appear to amplify the immune response. When the researchers exposed their organoids to inflammatory triggers and bacteria-processed gluten, the cells ramped up production of immune signaling molecules — effectively supercharging the immune reaction.

This discovery opens new avenues for treatment. Targeting the gut’s microbiome or blocking the epithelial cells’ presentation of gluten peptides could offer alternatives to the gluten-free diet — something patients and clinicians alike have long hoped for.

Lead researcher Dr. Elena Verdu, a gastroenterologist at McMaster, notes that while avoiding gluten is currently the only way to manage celiac disease, it is far from perfect.

“This is difficult to do, and experts agree that a gluten-free diet is insufficient,” Verdu says. “Our findings show that the gut lining plays a much bigger role in initiating the immune reaction than previously believed.”

By identifying the specific tissue types and enzymes involved, scientists now have a roadmap for developing targeted treatments. In the future, medications might block the gut’s gluten-presenting function, regulate inflammation, or even alter how gut bacteria break down gluten — all without having to eliminate gluten entirely.

<h2>Can This Help End the Gluten-Free Dietary Restrictions?</h2>

This breakthrough adds weight to the growing understanding that celiac disease is not just about the immune system being “overreactive,” but about how and where that reaction begins.

Tohid Didar, a biomedical engineer on the team, says, “This allowed us to narrow down the specific cause and effect and prove exactly whether and how the reaction takes place.”

Such clarity has never existed before. Now, with this map in hand, researchers can explore new therapies that go beyond dietary restrictions. Of course, these results — while promising — are still early. Most of the experiments were conducted on mice, though they carry human genes. The next step will be to confirm these findings in human tissue and clinical trials.

But the implications are clear: for the first time, we know where gluten reactions start. And we might soon have a path to stop them.

For people living with celiac disease, even a crumb of gluten can cause days of pain and damage. This research brings us one step closer to a world where bread, pasta, and pastries can be safely enjoyed — without fear and without compromise.

diet & nutrition

celiac disease

gluten intolerance

gut lining cells

gluten reaction

autoimmune disorder

new celiac treatment

gluten free alternative

Over 1 in 100 people worldwide living with celiac disease, consuming even trace amounts of gluten can trigger debilitating symptoms — from severe abdominal pain to long-term complications like malnutrition and increased cancer risk. But despite decades of research, the exact origin of these immune reactions remained something of a mystery.Now, scientists may have pinpointed the elusive starting point of gluten-triggered immune attacks. In a landmark study published in Gastroenterology, researchers from McMaster University in Canada, along with international collaborators, have uncovered a pivotal role played by the cells lining the gut — not just as bystanders but as active agents in the cascade that defines celiac disease. This finding could pave the way for more precise, non-dietary therapies.Celiac disease is a chronic autoimmune condition triggered by gluten — a group of structural proteins found in wheat, barley, and rye. While most people digest gluten without issue, those with celiac disease experience an abnormal immune reaction that damages the small intestine.The symptoms range from bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea to fatigue, skin rashes, and nutrient deficiencies. Over time, untreated celiac disease can lead to serious complications including osteoporosis, infertility, and gastrointestinal cancers.Currently, the only effective treatment is lifelong strict avoidance of gluten — a tall order, given how ubiquitous gluten is in processed food, sauces, and even medications.One clue to the mystery lies in genetics. Nearly 90% of people with celiac disease carry a specific protein called HLA-DQ2.5, while most of the rest carry HLA-DQ8. These proteins are part of a group called human leukocyte antigens (HLAs), which present bits of proteins to the immune system — essentially acting like flags that identify threats.In people with celiac disease, HLA-DQ2.5 or DQ8 mistakenly flags gluten fragments as dangerous, prompting an aggressive immune response. But not everyone who carries these genes gets the disease — suggesting something else is required to flip the switch.Link Between Your Gut Cells and GlutenUntil now, it wasn’t fully understood how gluten peptides made their way past the gut lining and into the immune system’s crosshairs. The McMaster-led study changes that.By using transgenic mice — mice genetically engineered to carry human versions of the HLA genes — researchers were able to simulate celiac disease at the cellular level. They grew miniature gut models known as organoids, made from real mouse intestinal cells, to observe what happens when gluten meets the gut lining.What they found was striking: the epithelial cells lining the gut aren’t passive observers — they actively participate in the immune reaction.These cells release a transporting enzyme that binds to gluten peptides and modifies them, making them even more visible to the immune system. The cells then present these altered gluten fragments directly to immune cells, triggering inflammation.In other words, your own gut lining might be the place where celiac disease begins.Gut Microbes Could Be Amplifying the ProblemAnother major insight: inflammation and gut microbes appear to amplify the immune response. When the researchers exposed their organoids to inflammatory triggers and bacteria-processed gluten, the cells ramped up production of immune signaling molecules — effectively supercharging the immune reaction.This discovery opens new avenues for treatment. Targeting the gut’s microbiome or blocking the epithelial cells’ presentation of gluten peptides could offer alternatives to the gluten-free diet — something patients and clinicians alike have long hoped for.Lead researcher Dr. Elena Verdu, a gastroenterologist at McMaster, notes that while avoiding gluten is currently the only way to manage celiac disease, it is far from perfect.“This is difficult to do, and experts agree that a gluten-free diet is insufficient,” Verdu says. “Our findings show that the gut lining plays a much bigger role in initiating the immune reaction than previously believed.”By identifying the specific tissue types and enzymes involved, scientists now have a roadmap for developing targeted treatments. In the future, medications might block the gut’s gluten-presenting function, regulate inflammation, or even alter how gut bacteria break down gluten — all without having to eliminate gluten entirely.Can This Help End the Gluten-Free Dietary Restrictions?This breakthrough adds weight to the growing understanding that celiac disease is not just about the immune system being “overreactive,” but about how and where that reaction begins.Tohid Didar, a biomedical engineer on the team, says, “This allowed us to narrow down the specific cause and effect and prove exactly whether and how the reaction takes place.”Such clarity has never existed before. Now, with this map in hand, researchers can explore new therapies that go beyond dietary restrictions. Of course, these results — while promising — are still early. Most of the experiments were conducted on mice, though they carry human genes. The next step will be to confirm these findings in human tissue and clinical trials.But the implications are clear: for the first time, we know where gluten reactions start. And we might soon have a path to stop them.For people living with celiac disease, even a crumb of gluten can cause days of pain and damage. This research brings us one step closer to a world where bread, pasta, and pastries can be safely enjoyed — without fear and without compromise.

where do gluten reactions start in the body?  scientists finally found the source

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Menopause Age Plays A Significant Role In Our Future Heart Health - Can You Delay The Age?

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It’s easy to blame low libido on stress, hormones, or simple fatigue but what if the actual perpetrator lurks deeper—literally? More and more, studies are indicating your gut health as a main player in affecting sexual desire.

The gut is no longer seen as merely a digestive system. It's today understood to be a command center for a broad range of body functions—immunity, hormone balance, and even emotional well-being. And all of them have a direct or indirect impact on libido.

At the core of this connection is the gut-brain axis, a two-way communication pathway linking your gastrointestinal system with your central nervous system. This process enables your gut microbiome to impact major brain chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine, both of which are important in mood, motivation, and arousal. This is the thing: roughly 90% of the body's serotonin is actually made in the gut. So when your gut is out of whack, your mood, energy, and sex drive can suffer.

One of the most interesting new finds is the estrobolome—a special group of gut bacteria that break down estrogen. The bacteria secrete an enzyme called β-glucuronidase, which recycles estrogen and keeps hormones in check.

When the estrobolome gets disturbed—perhaps by a bad diet, stress, or antibiotics—it can disrupt estrogen balance. What's the consequence? Mood swings, PMS, exhaustion, and a vanishing libido.

<h2>Why Your Gut Might Be Draining Your Energy?</h2>

Even when you're eating all the right foods, a gut that doesn't work well can interfere with your ability to take in necessary nutrients such as iron, vitamin B12, and magnesium—all of which play a central role in energy and mood management. Without sufficient supplies of these, you might feel perpetually drained and mentally cloudy. And let's face it—nobody feels sexy if they're not rested.

Add to that chronic inflammation and disrupted neurotransmitter production, and you’ve got a recipe for low libido that can’t be fixed by aphrodisiacs alone.

<h2>How Your Gut Affecting Your Sex Life?</h2>

If you're consistently experiencing bloating, constipation, or IBS-type symptoms and also experiencing poor sleep, mood swings, or irregular periods, your gut is likely playing a more significant role than you realize. These overlapping symptoms indicate that your digestive system might be playing with your hormones and mood—both integral components of a healthy sex drive.

Gut health is no silver bullet, but it is an oft-overlooked part of the libido equation. Though great gut health will not necessarily trigger an increase in sexual appetite, it provides the groundwork for enhanced mood, vitality, and emotional preparedness—all prime motivators of a healthy libido.

As psychologists and nutrition scientists frequently point out, sexual desire is seldom purely biological. It's impacted by emotional attachment, self-esteem, satisfaction with one's relationship, stress levels, and even cultural conditioning.

<h2>How to Reset Your Gut and Revive Your Libido?</h2>

It's not difficult to enhance gut health, but it does need to be a habitual practice. Following are practical, science-supported methods to get your gut—and your libido—going strong:

Nourish your gut flora: Consume more whole foods containing fiber such as leafy greens, lentils, and whole grains.

Include fermented foods: Yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi add good bacteria.

Exercise regularly: Activity supports diversity of gut flora and reduces inflammation.

Deal with stress: Ongoing stress can disrupt the gut-brain axis. Try breathwork or mindfulness.

Sleep: Inadequate sleep disturbs both gut and hormonal balance.

Hydrate: Water keeps the gut mucosal lining intact, facilitating absorption and immunity.

Stay away from unnecessary antibiotics: They destroy both bad and good bacteria.

Your gut may be doing more than break down your food. It may be quietly influencing your mood, your hormones—and yes, your sex life. Although low libido can have countless causes, focusing on your gut is one of the most compelling ways to support your overall health and rediscover your desire. If you've been feeling "off," begin by paying attention to your gut. It might be attempting to communicate more with you than you realize.

sexual health

low sex drive

gut health and libido

estrogen imbalance

mood and hormones

gut brain axis

libido booster tips

sex drive and microbiome

It’s easy to blame low libido on stress, hormones, or simple fatigue but what if the actual perpetrator lurks deeper—literally? More and more, studies are indicating your gut health as a main player in affecting sexual desire.The gut is no longer seen as merely a digestive system. It's today understood to be a command center for a broad range of body functions—immunity, hormone balance, and even emotional well-being. And all of them have a direct or indirect impact on libido.At the core of this connection is the gut-brain axis, a two-way communication pathway linking your gastrointestinal system with your central nervous system. This process enables your gut microbiome to impact major brain chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine, both of which are important in mood, motivation, and arousal. This is the thing: roughly 90% of the body's serotonin is actually made in the gut. So when your gut is out of whack, your mood, energy, and sex drive can suffer.What is Estrobolome?One of the most interesting new finds is the estrobolome—a special group of gut bacteria that break down estrogen. The bacteria secrete an enzyme called β-glucuronidase, which recycles estrogen and keeps hormones in check.When the estrobolome gets disturbed—perhaps by a bad diet, stress, or antibiotics—it can disrupt estrogen balance. What's the consequence? Mood swings, PMS, exhaustion, and a vanishing libido.Why Your Gut Might Be Draining Your Energy?Even when you're eating all the right foods, a gut that doesn't work well can interfere with your ability to take in necessary nutrients such as iron, vitamin B12, and magnesium—all of which play a central role in energy and mood management. Without sufficient supplies of these, you might feel perpetually drained and mentally cloudy. And let's face it—nobody feels sexy if they're not rested.Add to that chronic inflammation and disrupted neurotransmitter production, and you’ve got a recipe for low libido that can’t be fixed by aphrodisiacs alone.How Your Gut Affecting Your Sex Life?If you're consistently experiencing bloating, constipation, or IBS-type symptoms and also experiencing poor sleep, mood swings, or irregular periods, your gut is likely playing a more significant role than you realize. These overlapping symptoms indicate that your digestive system might be playing with your hormones and mood—both integral components of a healthy sex drive.Gut health is no silver bullet, but it is an oft-overlooked part of the libido equation. Though great gut health will not necessarily trigger an increase in sexual appetite, it provides the groundwork for enhanced mood, vitality, and emotional preparedness—all prime motivators of a healthy libido.As psychologists and nutrition scientists frequently point out, sexual desire is seldom purely biological. It's impacted by emotional attachment, self-esteem, satisfaction with one's relationship, stress levels, and even cultural conditioning.How to Reset Your Gut and Revive Your Libido?It's not difficult to enhance gut health, but it does need to be a habitual practice. Following are practical, science-supported methods to get your gut—and your libido—going strong:Nourish your gut flora: Consume more whole foods containing fiber such as leafy greens, lentils, and whole grains.Include fermented foods: Yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi add good bacteria.Exercise regularly: Activity supports diversity of gut flora and reduces inflammation.Deal with stress: Ongoing stress can disrupt the gut-brain axis. Try breathwork or mindfulness.Sleep: Inadequate sleep disturbs both gut and hormonal balance.Hydrate: Water keeps the gut mucosal lining intact, facilitating absorption and immunity.Stay away from unnecessary antibiotics: They destroy both bad and good bacteria.Your gut may be doing more than break down your food. It may be quietly influencing your mood, your hormones—and yes, your sex life. Although low libido can have countless causes, focusing on your gut is one of the most compelling ways to support your overall health and rediscover your desire. If you've been feeling "off," begin by paying attention to your gut. It might be attempting to communicate more with you than you realize.

Aarushi Bhadury

Pneumonic Plague Death Raises Alarm, Can Prairie Dogs Be The Cause Of It?

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The sudden death of a Northern Arizona resident due to the pneumonic plague- a diseases that is the known cause of the century old <span>health crisis bubonic plague</span>, has raised alarm among the locals and health officials alike. The person died from the plague just 24 hours after feeling sick and showing symptoms. This is a rare but serious case of the disease in the United States amid the declining rate of immunization. The person, whose name hasn't been released, was taken to Flagstaff Medical Center in a very bad condition and passed away the same day. 

The case has raised new worries, especially since it happened at the same time as many <span>prairie dogs</span> were reported dying near Flagstaff. This is a natural warning sign that the plague might be spreading among wild animals in the area. 

<h2>What Is <span rel="noindex">Pneumonic Plague</span>?</h2>

Plague is a rare but serious illness that can affect both animals and humans. It's caused by a type of bacteria called Yersinia pestis (Y. pestis). These bacteria are found in <span>wild rodents</span> and their fleas in many parts of the world, including most of the western United States. Pneumonic Plague is a more concerning type because it affects the lungs. It happens when you breathe in the Y. pestis bacteria. This form of plague can be spread from person to person. Symptoms of pneumonic plague usually start one to four days after exposure. These include: 

<ul><li>Fever</li><li>Headache</li><li>Weakness</li><li>A cough that produces bloody or watery mucus (due to lung infection, or pneumonia)</li></ul>

If you start showing symptoms, see a doctor right away. If you think you might have been intentionally exposed to pneumonic plague, contact law enforcement immediately. Currently, there's no vaccine for pneumonic plague. However, antibiotics can be used to prevent illness in people who have been exposed to the bacteria.

<h2>How Are Prairie Dogs Linked To This? </h2>

According to a report received by Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) on 7th July, Townsend Winona area experienced a prairie dog die-off. They explained that a sudden die-off of prairie dogs and other rodents can be a warning sign for plague, a serious disease that can affect both animals and people. The bacteria that cause plague, Yersinia pestis, spread through the bite of infected fleas or by touching sick animals. People can also get infected from sick pets.

The affected area is on private land, CCHHS is working with the property owner to collect fleas for testing. They'll also contact other nearby property owners to expand their checks and potentially treat the area. Rodent burrows will be treated to reduce flea activity, and the area will continue to be watched closely because plague is common in Coconino County, CCHHS has a system to monitor for the disease. They also watch for other diseases like West Nile virus and rabies to quickly find them, understand how they spread, and take steps to protect the public. Here are some preventative tips you should have

Use veterinarian-approved flea treatments, keep your pets on a leash, and keep them away from areas where wild rodents live. 

If you see many dead rodents or rabbits, please call animal services 

<strong>Keep rodents away from your home</strong>

Clear away brush, rock piles, trash, and lumber from around your house and sheds. Store food in containers that rodents can't get into. 

Never feed or touch wild rodents, and stay away from areas where they are known to live. Do not touch sick or dead animals. 

Use insect repellent with 20-30% DEET and tuck your pant legs into your socks. 

This prevents them from roaming around rodent burrows and is also required by Arizona State law. 

Don't camp near rodent burrows and avoid sleeping directly on the ground. 

Cats can easily get plague. If your cat is sick (especially if it roams outside), take it to a vet right away for diagnosis and treatment to reduce the risk of people getting plague. 

If your pet shows symptoms like a high fever, swollen lymph nodes, tiredness, loss of appetite, a cough, or eye discharge, contact a veterinarian immediately.

Pneumonic Plague

Pneumonic Plague Death

Prairie Dogs

health crisis bubonic plague

wild rodents

is Pneumonic Plague contagious

The sudden death of a Northern Arizona resident due to the pneumonic plague- a diseases that is the known cause of the century old health crisis bubonic plague, has raised alarm among the locals and health officials alike. The person died from the plague just 24 hours after feeling sick and showing symptoms. This is a rare but serious case of the disease in the United States amid the declining rate of immunization. The person, whose name hasn't been released, was taken to Flagstaff Medical Center in a very bad condition and passed away the same day. The case has raised new worries, especially since it happened at the same time as many prairie dogs were reported dying near Flagstaff. This is a natural warning sign that the plague might be spreading among wild animals in the area. What Is Pneumonic Plague?Plague is a rare but serious illness that can affect both animals and humans. It's caused by a type of bacteria called Yersinia pestis (Y. pestis). These bacteria are found in wild rodents and their fleas in many parts of the world, including most of the western United States. Pneumonic Plague is a more concerning type because it affects the lungs. It happens when you breathe in the Y. pestis bacteria. This form of plague can be spread from person to person. Symptoms of pneumonic plague usually start one to four days after exposure. These include: FeverHeadacheWeaknessA cough that produces bloody or watery mucus (due to lung infection, or pneumonia)If you start showing symptoms, see a doctor right away. If you think you might have been intentionally exposed to pneumonic plague, contact law enforcement immediately. Currently, there's no vaccine for pneumonic plague. However, antibiotics can be used to prevent illness in people who have been exposed to the bacteria.How Are Prairie Dogs Linked To This? According to a report received by Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) on 7th July, Townsend Winona area experienced a prairie dog die-off. They explained that a sudden die-off of prairie dogs and other rodents can be a warning sign for plague, a serious disease that can affect both animals and people. The bacteria that cause plague, Yersinia pestis, spread through the bite of infected fleas or by touching sick animals. People can also get infected from sick pets.Can The Plague Be Prevented?The affected area is on private land, CCHHS is working with the property owner to collect fleas for testing. They'll also contact other nearby property owners to expand their checks and potentially treat the area. Rodent burrows will be treated to reduce flea activity, and the area will continue to be watched closely because plague is common in Coconino County, CCHHS has a system to monitor for the disease. They also watch for other diseases like West Nile virus and rabies to quickly find them, understand how they spread, and take steps to protect the public. Here are some preventative tips you should haveProtect your pets from fleasUse veterinarian-approved flea treatments, keep your pets on a leash, and keep them away from areas where wild rodents live. Report dead rodentsIf you see many dead rodents or rabbits, please call animal services Keep rodents away from your homeClear away brush, rock piles, trash, and lumber from around your house and sheds. Store food in containers that rodents can't get into. Avoid wild animalsNever feed or touch wild rodents, and stay away from areas where they are known to live. Do not touch sick or dead animals. Prevent flea bitesUse insect repellent with 20-30% DEET and tuck your pant legs into your socks. Keep dogs on leashThis prevents them from roaming around rodent burrows and is also required by Arizona State law. Be careful when campingDon't camp near rodent burrows and avoid sleeping directly on the ground. Be aware of sick catsCats can easily get plague. If your cat is sick (especially if it roams outside), take it to a vet right away for diagnosis and treatment to reduce the risk of people getting plague. Get vet care for sick petsIf your pet shows symptoms like a high fever, swollen lymph nodes, tiredness, loss of appetite, a cough, or eye discharge, contact a veterinarian immediately.

pneumonic plague death raises alarm, can prairie dogs be the cause of it?

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