Why Is Bubonic Plague Still With Us? episode artwork

EPISODE · Dec 9, 2025 · 12 MIN

Why Is Bubonic Plague Still With Us?

from Science Friday · host Flora Lichtman, Kathleen Davis

For many people, bubonic plague is an illness that seems squarely situated in medieval times. But each year, a handful of human cases pop up in the western United States. Plague can be treated successfully with modern medicine. But why does it still exist, and how should we think about it both locally and globally? Plague researcher Viveka Vadyvaloo joins Host Flora Lichtman to talk all things spread and containment.Guest: Dr. Viveka Vadyvaloo is a plague researcher and director of the Allen School for Global Health at Washington State University.Transcripts for each episode are available within 1-3 days at sciencefriday.com.  Subscribe to this podcast. Follow our show on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Bluesky @scifri and sign up for our newsletters. Got a science question that’s keeping you up at night? Call us: 877-472-4374 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

When cases of plague pop up in the US, it can feel straight up medieval. It's treatable, but how and why does it persist?

NOW PLAYING

Why Is Bubonic Plague Still With Us?

0:00 12:24

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

No similar episodes found.

Sunbury Life news & features Sunbury Life Hear the weeks news headlines from the Melbourne suburb of Sunbury in our weekly news wrap - out every Friday. There's reports on Hume City Council meetings, news from across Sunbury, and occasional feature interviews.SunburyLife.au is a hyperlocal news website run by dedicated volunteers serving the town of Sunbury in north/west Melbourne. Elevatin' The GetRight Spot & The Love Algorithm Elevatin' The GetRight Spot & The Love Algorithm A podcast that expresses the journey of taking ideas and turning them into a successful website and business. Using an ideology, philosophy and mental science as motivation, we shall Elevate Bodybyloud! and The GetRight Spot. We also inspire everyone to elevate their lives and go after their dreams, desires., and abundance. The Health Odyssey: Navigating Tomorrow's Medicine Podcast Welcome to 'The Health Odyssey: Navigating Tomorrow's Medicine,' where we embark on an adventurous journey through the ever-evolving world of healthcare. Each episode is like a treasure map, guiding you through the rich tapestry of ancient healing arts mixed with futuristic tech wizardry. We’ll chat about the wild west of health data privacy, the corporate giants reshaping our care, and the mind-bending potential of psychedelics for mental wellness. Think of us as your trusty sidekicks, unraveling the mysteries of modern medicine while keeping it real and relatable. Let’s dive into the stories, the science, and the soul of healthcare, paving the way for a healthier tomorrow. Chosn Conversations: Beyond the Journal Chosn AI Journal Welcome to Chosn Conversations: Beyond the Journal, where your AI hosts explore the transformative power of conversational journaling and emotional intelligence. Each episode takes you beyond traditional journaling methods, diving deep into voice journaling techniques, mental wellness strategies, and the science behind AI-supported emotional health. We share inspiring user stories, analyze the latest research in digital mental wellness, and provide practical guidance for incorporating journaling into your self-care routine. Whether you're curious about AI therapy alternatives, looking for mental health support tools, or wanting to optimize your journaling practice, our conversations extend beyond the written page into meaningful audio experiences that offer evidence-based insights in an accessible, compassionate format. Join us as we navigate the intersection of technology and mental well-being, helping you track your emotional journey and build lasting resilience through the power of

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Science Friday?

This episode is 12 minutes long.

When was this Science Friday episode published?

This episode was published on December 9, 2025.

What is this episode about?

For many people, bubonic plague is an illness that seems squarely situated in medieval times. But each year, a handful of human cases pop up in the western United States. Plague can be treated successfully with modern medicine. But why does it still...

Can I download this Science Friday episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.
URL copied to clipboard!