State Trying to Quell Bubonic Plague Fears

For those worried that bubonic plague could be spreading in Michigan, don’t.

While a Marquette County woman has the state’s first ever confirmed case of the illness it can’t spread from person to person.

Instead, bubonic plague is transmitted by fleas who have the illness or by coming in contact with a rodent who has it.

Jennifer Smith with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says if you’re going camping out West check the Centers for Disease Control’s website to find out if there are any reported cases of bubonic plague where you’re visiting.

And if you’re still willing to chance it use plenty of bug spray.

There have been 14 confirmed cases of bubonic plague in the United States in 2015. Four people have died from the illness.

On average the U-S sees three cases of bubonic plague a year.