Utah’s History With The Bubonic Plague Isn’t That Old

Utah is just about as far away from Europe as you can get culturally and geographically speaking, but still we have had the plague.  

That's right. The Black Death that ravaged several countries during the 1300s has been in Utah though its rate of death is nowhere near the level of old Europe. Still, less than 10 years ago, a Utah mad died from the bubonic plague in 2015.  

Prior to that, the state hadn’t seen a case of the plague since 2009 and no deaths for 35 years. The U.S. saw a few cases that year from people who visited Yosemite National Park. 

Though humans don’t usually get it, it's common for Utah wildlife to be infected with the Black Death, especially in prairie dog populations, The Guardian said.  

It was not confirmed but the way that most humans end up with the bubonic plague is through contact with dead animals or fleas that carry the virus.  

Officially known as Yersinia pestis, the plagues actual makeup wasn’t discovered until the 1800s by a French biologist, History said. It spread through the air and even the smallest touches between clothing could make the virus move its way through people.  

Fleas on rats during Medieval times were common, especially on trade ships where the bubonic plague was known to fester.  

Don’t be alarmed as deaths are rare from the disease and contracting it is also difficult. Utah animals may see it more commonly but by keeping up to date with information and staying away from dead animals, it's unlikely for the average person contract it.