The plague, a bacterial infection known for causing significant mortality in 14th-century Europe, continues to persist today. It is now treatable with antibiotics. According to the World Health Organization, most human cases since the 1990s have been reported in Africa, particularly in Congo and Madagascar. In the United States, there are approximately seven human cases reported each year, primarily in rural areas of the American West, as stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Recently, a worker at a plague research institute in Siberia died of pneumonia, raising concerns in Russia after unverified reports suggested a possible pneumonic plague infection. Russian authorities have indicated that testing showed no evidence of plague, and the research facility has been quarantined. Simon Clarke from the University of Reading in the U.K. noted, "People think the plague is gone, it was something that occurred 500 years ago. It's not. It's here amongst us." He emphasized that without eliminating wild animal populations, the bacteria cannot be eradicated. Evidence indicates that people in Siberia have been affected by plague for at least 5,500 years, with the earliest signs found in ancient hunter-gatherers' teeth near Lake Baikal. Both pneumonic plague and bubonic plague, known as the Black Death, are caused by the bacteria Yersinia pestis. The bacteria naturally spread among rodents, and fleas can transmit the disease to humans. Bubonic plague, the most common form, results in swollen lymph nodes, fever, chills, headaches, and abdominal pain. Untreated, it can progress to pneumonic or septicemic plague, both of which can be fatal. Aside from flea bites, the plague can be contracted through contact with infected bodily fluids or respiratory droplets from someone with pneumonic plague. Dr. Glenn Wortmann from MedStar Washington Hospital Center explained that while pneumonic plague can spread through coughing, it requires close contact. He stated that widespread transmission in Russia is unlikely to extend to the U.S. The plague has not been eradicated, but advancements in prevention and treatment have improved outcomes. Early antibiotic treatment can cure the infection, and while a vaccine exists, it is only recommended for high-risk individuals, such as laboratory and healthcare workers. There is currently no plague vaccine available in the U.S.
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Plague Cases Reported Annually in Africa and the U.S.
The plague, a bacterial infection that has persisted since the 14th century, continues to be reported in Africa and the U.S. annually. Most cases occur in rural areas of the American West, with approximately seven cases each year. Recent concerns arose in Russia following the death of a research worker, although authorities reported no evidence of plague. The infection can be treated effectively with antibiotics if diagnosed early.
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Original vs. Neutral
The plague never went away. Cases are reported in parts of Africa and the U.S. nearly every year
Plague Cases Reported Annually in Africa and the U.S.