SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - The New Mexico Department of Health says it has confirmed a second case of bubonic plague.

Health officials say a 78-year-old man from Santa Fe County is hospitalized but recovering.

The year's first case was reported in early May in a 58-year-old man from Santa Fe County, who also was hospitalized but is now recovering at home.

Department of Health Secretary Dr. Catherine Torres says the department is seeing plague activity in humans and animals in north-central New Mexico.

She warns people to be aware of the situation and take precautions to avoid rodents and fleas.

Plague is a bacterial disease of rodents and is generally transmitted to humans through flea bites.

It can also be transmitted by direct contact with infected animals, including rodents, wildlife and pets.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

A Santa Fe man barricaded himself in a home and kept officers at bay for over an hour by throwing firecrackers and cans of paint from the second story window.

Throughout the standoff, 27-year-old Gerald Sisneros, could be heard yelling and even pleading with deputies and officers to taser him or shoot him.

The mother of the suspect said her son was off his medication and has been going through a rough time

. About a year ago, Sisneros' brother died. A couple of months ago he lost his job and may have broken up with his girlfriend the night before.

But witnesses to Wednesday's standoff say the incident happened when a contractor paid by the neighborhood association tried to paint Sisneros' curb yellow to prevent people from parking in front of his home.

Fort Marcy Complex will offer basketball camp for boys and girls 7 to 12 years old. Registration is open until June 3rd and the fee is $45 per participant.

This summer will be the 18th year of the Fort Marcy basketball camp.

Girls basketball camp will run June 13th to 17th from 8am to 12pm. Boys camp will be June 6th to 10th at the same times.

The camp concentrates on drills, shooting, offensive and defensive practice, and teamwork. Additionally, players will get a chance to compete in different competitions and contests, testing the skills they have learned at camp.