Plague still causes annual cases in Africa and the U.S

The plague, a bacterial infection that killed tens of millions in 14th-century Europe, still causes human cases annually in Africa and the U.S., though it is now easily treatable with antibiotics. Since the 1990s, most cases have occurred in Africa, particularly Congo and Madagascar, while the U.S. averages about seven cases per year, mostly in rural Western areas. A recent Siberian researcher's death raised alarm, but Russian tests found no plague evidence. The bacteria Yersinia pestis spreads via fleas from rodents like prairie dogs and rats. Early antibiotic treatment cures the disease, but a vaccine is only recommended for high-risk workers and is unavailable in the U.S.