Plague is a disease well-known to humankind. Throughout
history, in a series of epidemics, plague has claimed the lives of millions the
world over. Human plague in the United States occurs as mostly scattered cases
in rural areas effecting 10 to 20 persons each year. Globally, the World Health
Organization (WHO) reports 1,000 to 3,000 cases every year.
Conditions that once facilitated the rampant spread of plague have been remedied
in much of the world, making epidemics unlikely. However, a bioterrorist release
of plague could result in a rapid spread of the pneumonic form of the disease,
which could have devastating consequences.
The following commonly asked questions link to resources that provide
safety and health information about plague.
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