Key points
- Plague is a potentially life-threatening disease caused by the bacterium, Yersinia pestis.
- Plague occurs naturally in areas of the western United States, where it circulates among wild rodents and other animals.
- Plague can be cured with antibiotics, but treatment must be given quickly.
Overview
Plague is a disease that affects humans and other mammals. It is caused by the bacterium, Yersinia pestis. Humans usually become infected through the bite of an infected rodent flea or by handling an infected animal. Plague can be cured with antibiotics, but these must be given promptly to prevent serious illness or death. Plague is infamous for killing millions of people in Europe during the Middle Ages. Nowadays, it is a rare but persistent cause of illness in rural areas in the western United States and certain regions of Africa and Asia.