Plague is a severe bacterial infection caused by Yersinia pestis. It primarily affects rodents but can be transmitted to humans, often leading to serious illness if not treated quickly. It is most common in rural and semi-rural areas of Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
Transmission methods vary. Please consult CDC or WHO resources for specific information.
Contagious Period: Varies by disease
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US CDC: In recent decades, the US has reported an average of about seven human plague cases per year (range 0–17), with more than 80% being bubonic. Cases are mainly found in northern New Mexico, northern Arizona, southern Colorado, as well as California, southern Oregon, and far-western Nevada.
Source: BEACON - View Full Report
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Global disease surveillance and guidelines from the World Health Organization
View WHO Resources →Disease information on Virus Watcher is reviewed by our Chief Epidemiologist, a former CDC lead analyst for FluSight forecasting. Outbreak data is aggregated from verified sources including BEACON, ProMED, WHO, CDC, and 50+ national health agencies. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice.
Last reviewed: 2026-04-19
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