![]() ![]() In the United States, it is most commonly transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected rat flea (Xenopsylla species). Plague is primarily an infection of animals including many species of rodents (including mice, rats, ground squirrels, prairie dogs, chipmunks and rabbits). Worldwide, up to 3,000 cases of plague are reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) each year, mostly in Africa, Asia and South America. In some cities, up to 75% of the population died within days, with fever and swollen skin sores. A plague epidemic in the 14th century killed more than one-third of the population of Europe within a few years. Plague has most famously been called "the Black Death" because it can cause skin sores that form black scabs. Plague has caused several major epidemics in Europe and Asia over the last 2,000 years. It can be a life-threatening infection if not treated promptly. Plague is caused by Yersinia pestis bacteria.
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