Plague Remains Present-Day Threat Despite Belief It's a Relic of the Past

The plague, a bacterial infection infamous for its devastating impact on Europe in the 14th century, has not disappeared as many assume. In fact, it remains a present-day threat that can be easily treated with antibiotics.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), most human cases of the plague have been reported in Africa since the 1990s, particularly in Congo and Madagascar. This trend suggests that the disease still poses a significant risk to populations in these regions.

In the United States, an average of about seven human cases of the plague are reported annually, mostly in rural areas of the American West. This number may seem low, but it indicates that the plague can still occur anywhere, even in developed countries with access to modern healthcare.

A recent incident in Siberia has raised concerns about the spread of the disease. A worker at a plague research institute died from pneumonia, sparking speculation that she might have contracted pneumonic plague. Although Russian authorities claim testing showed no evidence of plague, the research facility has been quarantined as a precautionary measure.

Experts emphasize that the plague is not a relic of the past and can still be found in wild animals that carry the bacteria. Unless these animals are eradicated, which is not feasible, the risk of transmission will persist.

The bacteria responsible for both pneumonic and bubonic plague are identical, known as Yersinia pestis.

In its natural cycle, the bacteria spreads among rodents such as prairie dogs and rats. Fleas that jump from these infected animals to humans can transmit the disease through bites.

Bubonic plague is the most prevalent form of infection, characterized by painful swelling of lymph nodes in areas like the groin, armpit, and neck, known as buboes. People may also experience sudden high fever, chills, headaches, and pain in various parts of their body, according to medical experts at the Cleveland Clinic.

The plague has two other forms: pneumonic plague, which occurs when a person inhales the bacteria, infecting the lungs; and septicemic plague, an infection in the bloodstream. Both are fatal if left untreated, as stated by the World Health Organization.

If bubonic plague is not treated promptly, it can progress to one of these other two forms.

The plague has never been eradicated worldwide, but medical advancements have improved its preventability and treatment.

Prompt antibiotic treatment is crucial in curing the plague, which can be deadly if not addressed promptly; this underscores the importance of seeking medical attention early on.

A vaccine against the plague exists, although it is only recommended for individuals at high risk of infection, such as laboratory workers and healthcare professionals; there is limited evidence supporting its effectiveness against the pneumonic form of the disease.

The availability of a plague vaccine in the U.S. is also limited, with no widely available option currently available to the general public.