„Moartea Neagră” nu a dispărut. Bacteria care provoacă ciuma pneumonică există și astăzi și poate fi fatală

The plague, caused by the Yersinia pestis bacterium, still exists today, particularly in its pneumonic form, which is highly virulent. Recent concerns arose after the death of a researcher in Siberia, prompting the WHO to request more information from Russia. Although Russian authorities have tested contacts of the deceased and found no infections, the exact cause of death remains unclear. The plague can manifest in three forms: bubonic, septicemic, and pneumonic, with the latter being the most dangerous due to its rapid progression. Despite its historical association with the Black Death, the plague continues to be endemic in various regions worldwide, with thousands of cases reported annually. Laboratories studying the bacterium are crucial for developing diagnostics and vaccines to prevent future outbreaks.