Communicable Disease Service

Report Confirmed or Suspect Cases Immediately to the Local Health Department.

Plague is a disease caused by bacteria and has three major forms that can affect either the lymph nodes (bubonic), blood (septicemic), or the lungs (pneumonic). Pneumonic plague can be spread from person to person when an infected person coughs. Bubonic and septicemic plague cannot spread from person to person. While a serious disease, plague can be treated with antibiotics. People who are exposed to plague can also take antibiotics to prevent the illness.

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• Frequently Asked Questions - NJDOH [English] [Spanish]
• Plague and Pets Fact Sheet [English] [Spanish]

• Guidelines on Community Containment of Plague