First human plague case this year

The New Mexico Department of Health has confirmed the first human case of plague this year. 

State health officials said Monday a 15-year-old boy from Torrance County currently is hospitalized in stable condition. His name hasn't been released. 

Health officials say an environmental investigation will take place at the teen's home to look for ongoing risk to others in the area.

 Plague is a bacterial disease of rodents and is generally transmitted to humans through the bites of infected fleas. It can also be transmitted by direct contact with infected animals, including rodents, wildlife and pets. 

There was one human case of plague in New Mexico last year, a 78-year-old man from Torrance County.

 There were two cases in 2011 and none in 2010.

First human plague case this year