Bubonic Plague Today: Is It Still Around?

Yes, bubonic plague (Yersinia pestis) persists in natural reservoirs but is rare and treatable.

Current Status

• Endemic Regions: Western US (AZ, CO, NM, CA), parts of Africa (DRC, Madagascar), Asia (China, Mongolia), South America (Peru, Bolivia).
• Reservoirs: Wild rodents (ground squirrels, prairie dogs, rats) and their fleas.
• Human Cases: ~1,000–2,000 globally/year (WHO); ~7/year in US (CDC).

Transmission

• Flea bite from infected rodent.
• Direct contact with infected animal tissues/fluids.
• Respiratory droplets (pneumonic plague—rare, person-to-person).

Treatment & Prevention

• Antibiotics: Gentamicin, doxycycline, ciprofloxacin, streptomycin—highly effective if started early.
• Post-exposure prophylaxis: Doxycycline for contacts.
• Prevention: Rodent control, flea repellent, avoid handling sick/dead animals, PPE for lab workers.

No vaccine currently available. Prompt diagnosis and antibiotics prevent mortality (untreated: 30–60%; treated: <10%).