People are still getting the plague. Here's what you need to know

Two cases of plague were recently confirmed in New Mexico. Should you be worried? TIME breaks down what you need to know about bubonic plague in the U.S. What is the plague? Plague is an infectious disease that is caused by the Yersinia pestis bacteria. It largely affects rodents, but other animals and humans can be infected as well. People can get the plague if they are bitten by an infected flea or if they come in contact with tissues or fluids of an animal that has the disease.