What is the "plague"?

Plague is a serious bacterial infection caused by a bacterium called Yersinia pestis. It is usually spread through the bite of infected fleas, which can carry the bacterium from rodents to humans. Plague has historically caused widespread pandemics, like the Black Death in the Middle Ages, but today it is rare and mostly occurs in specific regions, particularly in parts of Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Symptoms may include fever, chills, weakness, swollen glands, and difficulty breathing. Quick treatment with antibiotics is crucial to prevent serious complications and death. Public health measures, such as controlling rodents and preventing flea bites, are also important for stopping the spread of plague.