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A 43-year-old New Mexico man contracted the plague, the state's first human case this year. He was hospitalized but has since recovered. Health officials believe he was exposed while camping in a neighboring county. Plague, caused by the bacteria Yersinia pestis, is found in western US wildlife. Humans get it from infected fleas or animals. Early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics are crucial for recovery. The CDC reports an average of seven human cases annually.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.