Journal of Tropical Diseases & Public Health

Plague

Plague, also referred to as bubonic plague, is a disease caused by the bacteria Yersinia pestis, which is spread by fleas and rodents to human beings. Historically, plague has reached epidemic and even pandemic proportions in Asia and Europe. It is primarily a disease of rodents such as rats, prairie dogs, chipmunks, squirrels and other similar rodents. Human infection occurs when a person is bitten by infected fleas. However, the disease in humans is rare. An estimated 10 to 20 Americans contract plague each year, mostly in rural communities. About one in seven cases results in death.