The plague rarely affects humans, though the US sees about 7 cases a year. Here’s why Posted on July 19, 2024 by Connor Johnson AP July 18, 2024 Colorado health officials have confirmed a human case of the plague, the rare bacterial infection infamously known for killing tens of millions in 14th century Europe. Today, it’s easily treated with antibiotics. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates there are seven human cases of plague per year in the U.S., and in February, Oregon officials reported it in a person who likely got it from their sick cat. Surprised to hear the plague is still around? Here’s what to know. What is the plague? The bubonic plague is the most common form of the bacterial infection, which spreads naturally among rodents like prairie dogs and rats. There are two other forms of the plague: septicemic plague (which spreads through the whole body) and pneumonic plague (which infects the lungs). Read Article
