TThe plague sounds like something from a history book. But the disease – also known as the “Black Death” or “Great Plague” – which claimed the lives of over 25 million people, about a third of Europe, in the Middle Ages, is still present today.
Authorities in Colorado confirmed on Tuesday that a case of the plague had been identified in Pueblo County. Another case had already been identified in Oregon in February.
Caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestisThe plague, which is often transmitted by fleas and small animals such as rodents or cats, has been responsible for more than 200 million deaths throughout history, dating back to 3,800 years ago, according to an article in the American Journal of MedicineThree major pandemics claimed the most victims – in and around Constantinople in the 6th century, in Europe in the 14th century, and in Asia in the 19th century – but outbreaks of the disease continue to this day.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an average of seven cases are reported in the country each year, mostly in the western and southwestern states. Worldwide, there are about 1,000 to 3,000 cases per year, according to the World Health Organization, with the three countries with the highest endemic rates being the Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar and Peru.
There are two main forms of plague: bubonic plague, caused by flea bites or blood contact with another infected animal or material and characterized by swollen lymph nodes or “buboes”; and pneumonic plague, a serious lung infection caused by inhaling droplets, such as those from the coughs of infected people or cats. According to the CDC, over 80% of plague cases in the United States are due to bubonic plague, although pneumonic plague is more dangerous.
There is currently no vaccine in the United States that can prevent plague infection. However, you can take steps to reduce your risk of infection, such as applying insect repellent and using flea protection on pets. Today, however, most cases of plague are not fatal because of advances in treatment, such as widely available antibiotics—but untreated cases can be fatal. According to the Mayo Clinic, the overall risk of death from all types of plague in the United States is about 11%.
The most important factor for survival is getting medical help promptly. Symptoms to look out for include swollen lymph nodes, sudden fever, headache and body aches, weakness, vomiting and nausea, shortness of breath, chest pain, and cough, especially with bloody mucus.
