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Plague is a disease that affects humans and other mammals. It is caused by the bacterium, Yersinia pestis. Humans usually get plague after being bitten by a rodent flea that is carrying the plague bacterium or by handling an animal infected with plague. Plague is infamous for killing millions of people in Europe during the Middle Ages. Today, modern antibiotics are effective in treating plague. Without prompt treatment, the disease can cause serious illness or death. Presently, human plague infections continue to occur in the western United States, but significantly more cases occur in parts of Africa and Asia.

Plague Disease Topics

Ecology and Transmission

How plague is transmitted...

Diagnosis and Treatment

What to expect from your physician...

For Healthcare Professionals

Answers for clinicians, public health officials, and veterinarians...

History of Plague

Plague –– past and present...


Important signs and symptoms of plague...

Maps and Statistics

Distribution of plague, number of cases and more...

Prevention and Control

Tips for people living in areas with plague...


Scientific references and other links...

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    Bacterial Diseases Branch
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    Fort Collins, CO 80521
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