Bubonic Plague

Definition

The Bubonic Plague is a highly infectious and often deadly disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. It swept through Europe during the 14th century, killing millions of people in an event known as the Black Death.

Related terms

Pandemic: An outbreak of a disease that occurs over a wide geographic area and affects an exceptionally high proportion of the population.

Black Death: One specific outbreak of bubonic plague that occurred in Europe during the 14th century causing massive death tolls.

Fleas/Rats: Fleas living on rats are often cited as being responsible for the transmission of the Bubonic Plague to humans.