A case of bubonic plague – the disease that killed tens of millions of people in medieval Europe – was reported in rural Oregon last week. The afflicted individual was promptly treated, and health officials believe that there is “little risk to the community” that the disease will spread.
Though the disease, which officials believe was likely passed on to the individual from a sick pet cat, is exceedingly rare in the modern day, a few cases are reported each year. But in 2024, doctors know much better how to treat the disease and prevent its spread.
