The plague never went away. Cases are reported in parts of Africa and the US nearly every year

The plague, a rare bacterial infection famously known for causing millions of deaths in 14th-century Europe, continues to exist today rather than having been eradicated. Cases of the infection are reported in parts of Africa and the United States nearly every year.

While historical outbreaks were devastating, modern medical advancements mean the infection is now easily treated with antibiotics. Despite ongoing annual occurrences in specific regions, the disease frequently returns to public attention through news reports.