Plague, a Disease of the Past, Remains a Present Threat
Despite its historical association with widespread devastation, plague is still active globally and treated with modern antibiotics.
The plague, a bacterial infection infamous for its historical impact, continues to be present globally, with cases reported annually in parts of Africa and the United States. The disease, caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, is now easily treatable with antibiotics.
Globally, most human plague cases have been reported in Africa, particularly in Congo and Madagascar, since the 1990s, according to the World Health Organization. In the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports an average of about seven human cases per year, predominantly in rural areas of the American West.
Recent concerns arose in Russia after unconfirmed media reports suggested a researcher at a plague research institute in Siberia died of pneumonic plague. Russian authorities stated that testing revealed no evidence of the disease, but the institute was quarantined. Experts emphasize that the plague was never eradicated and persists among rodent populations, which can transmit the bacteria to humans primarily through fleas.
There are three forms of plague: bubonic, pneumonic, and septicemic. Bubonic plague, the most common, causes swollen lymph nodes, fever, chills, and headaches. Pneumonic plague infects the lungs and can spread through respiratory droplets, though such transmission is generally limited to close, face-to-face contact. Septicemic plague is an infection of the bloodstream. All forms can be fatal if not treated promptly.
Humans can contract plague through the bites of infected fleas or by handling infected animals or their bodily fluids. The plague can also spread person-to-person through the airborne droplets of individuals with pneumonic plague.
While a vaccine exists, it is typically recommended only for individuals at high risk of infection, such as laboratory and healthcare workers, and its efficacy against the pneumonic form is not strongly established. No plague vaccine is currently available in the U.S.
Effective early treatment with antibiotics is crucial for recovery. Without timely medical intervention, the plague can be deadly.