UK travel warning after plague death in New Mexico as Brits head to USA for World Cup

UK travel warning after plague death in New Mexico as Brits head to USA for World Cup A Santa Fe County woman has died from plague as thousands of UK travellers visit the USA for the World Cup A warning has been issued following a fatal case of plague being detected in America, as thousands of Brits are currently in the country for the World Cup. The Foreign Office-backed Travel Health Pro site today highlighted the tragic death in New Mexico. A woman from Santa Fe County has died from plague — the first human case in New Mexico in 2026, according to the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH). The NMDOH stated it has contacted close associates of the deceased woman and will carry out an environmental assessment to establish the ongoing risk and confirm that no other close contacts are displaying symptoms consistent with plague. "We extend our heartfelt condolences to the friends and family of the woman who passed away due to plague," said Erin Phipps, state public health veterinarian for NMDOH. "This tragedy emphasises the need for heightened community awareness and for taking measures to prevent plague infections." Plague is a bacterial illness carried by rodents and found across much of the western United States. It is predominantly transmitted to humans via bites from infected fleas found on wild rodents or domestic pets. It can equally be passed on through direct contact with infected animals. Those suffering from plague in their lungs are capable of spreading the disease through coughing. Plague symptoms in humans include a sudden onset of fever, chills, headache and fatigue. Sufferers may also experience a painful swelling of the lymph nodes in the groin, armpit or neck. Any physician suspecting plague should report it promptly to NMDOH. With swift diagnosis and the right antibiotic treatment, the death rate in both people and pets can be significantly reduced. To guard against plague, NMDOH recommends: - Avoid sick or dead rodents and rabbits and their nests and burrows. - Clean up areas near your home where rodents live, such as woodpiles, brush piles, junk and abandoned vehicles. Put hay, wood and compost piles as far as possible from your home. - Use insect repellent while hiking, camping, or working outdoors. Products containing DEET are recommended and can be applied to both skin and clothing, and products containing permethrin can be applied to clothing. Consult your doctor regarding any unexplained illness involving a sudden and severe fever. New Mexico recorded three human plague cases in 2025, and one in 2024, which proved fatal. Three dogs have been diagnosed with plague in 2026. In 2025, one cat and four dogs were confirmed to have contracted the disease. Foreign Office-backed Travel Health Pro said: "People can also catch it from bites or scratches from other infected animals such as cats, by working with plague bacteria or infected animal tissue in a laboratory and by breathing in respiratory droplets from someone who has already been infected. "Plague is no longer a risk in the United Kingdom (UK) but is still reported worldwide, in Africa, Asia, South America and the USA. Annually, most human cases are reported in Africa. Madagascar is regarded as the most affected country, with cases usually reported in specific, rural areas every year between September and April." Bubonic - the most common form, transmitted through the bites of infected fleas. In bubonic plague, bacteria travel from the site of the flea bite to a lymph node which becomes inflamed and painful. This is called a 'bubo'. Pneumonic - the most severe type, is rare but can be caused by advanced bubonic plague spreading to the lungs, and if not diagnosed and treated early, may be fatal. Prevention - Protect against flea bites: use DEET repellents and wear long trousers. - Avoid contact with dead animals and/or infected tissues and material. - Avoid anyone with confirmed or suspected plague and any areas where plague has recently been reported. There is currently no plague vaccine available in the UK (in certain countries, high-risk groups such as laboratory staff and vulnerable healthcare workers may be offered a vaccine). For more information click here.