# Is plague currently widespread? Canonical page: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/is-plague-currently-widespread Language: en Category: infectious Publisher: ClinicsJo Published: 2026-09-13T17:52:53.360Z Content updated: 2026-09-13T17:52:53.360Z Translation (ar): https://clinicsjo.com/ar/faq/is-plague-currently-widespread Plague is a serious bacterial disease, and although it has caused massive epidemics in the past, it is currently rare. However, plague still exists in parts of the world, particularly in rural areas of the western United States, as well as some regions of Africa and Asia [\[3\]](). It can be treated with antibiotics and recovery is typically successful if the disease is detected early [\[1\]](). ## Where is plague currently found? Plague is considered rare in the United States, with an average of about 7 cases reported annually. The disease previously spread via rats on steamships in the early 20th century, causing outbreaks in many urban areas until 1925. Following that, the disease spread to wild rodent populations in the western United States. Most plague cases currently occur in rural areas, specifically in states such as northern New Mexico, Arizona, southern Colorado, California, southern Oregon, and western Nevada [\[1\]](). Globally, most human cases of plague have occurred in Africa [\[1\]](). ## How is plague transmitted? Plague is transmitted to humans primarily through the bites of infected fleas that carry the bacteria from infected animals, or through direct contact with an infected animal, such as wild rodents or infected pets [\[3\]](). Dogs and cats can bring infected fleas into the home and spread the disease [\[1\]](). Additionally, pneumonic plague, a serious form of the disease, can be transmitted from person to person via respiratory droplets when coughing [\[1\]](). Human-to-human transmission of plague has not occurred in the United States since 1925 [\[1\]](). ## Symptoms of plague and when to seek medical help Symptoms of plague vary depending on the type, with the main types being bubonic plague, septicemic plague, and pneumonic plague [\[1\]](). Symptoms of bubonic plague typically appear 2 to 8 days after exposure to the bacteria and include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and painful swelling of the lymph nodes (buboes) [\[1\]](). For pneumonic plague, which is the most severe form, symptoms typically appear 1 to 3 days after exposure and include severe cough, difficulty breathing, fever, and chills [\[1\]](). You should contact a doctor immediately if you develop symptoms of plague after exposure to fleas or rodents, or if you live in or have visited an area where plague is present [\[1\]](). Immediate treatment with antibiotics is essential; if treatment is not received within 24 hours of the first symptoms appearing, the risk of death increases [\[1\]](). ## Plague prevention Plague prevention measures focus on rodent control and monitoring the disease in wild rodent populations [\[1\]](). There is no vaccine available for plague in the United States [\[1\]](). You can learn more about the history, symptoms, prevention, and treatment of the disease by visiting the page [Plague: History, Symptoms, and Methods of Prevention and Treatment (Arabic)](). ## Medical references - [Plague]() - [About Plague]() General health education; not a substitute for individualized clinical assessment. Citation URL: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/is-plague-currently-widespread#answer