Bubonic plague, a term synonymous with death and devastation, is making headlines again. While a recent case reportedly seen in the UK was found to be a data error, the disease still has the potential to become an global health concern. The germ Yersinia pestis, which causes the plague, continues to thrive in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Researchers are now racing to create a vaccine as the world becomes increasingly concerned about its possible return.

The most notorious plague epidemic, the Black Death, devastated Europe, Asia, and Africa in the 14th century, killing an estimated 200 million and eradicating almost 60% of Europe's population. This lethal pandemic, which was caused by a combination of bubonic, septicemic, and pneumonic plague, changed the course of history.

A laboratory report by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) of disease cases in England and Wales for the week up to March 13 had first reported a case of bubonic plague. But UKHSA officials later explained that this was a reporting mistake due to a lab misallocation.

The bubonic plague continued to strike in waves over history, with some major outbreaks in the UK, such as the Great Plague of London in 1665 and the last major outbreak in Suffolk in 1918. Although controlled largely with antibiotics nowadays, the disease has never been eradicated.

Yersinia pestis: The Bacterium Behind the Plague

Yersinia pestis is a very virulent bacterium that can spread through a variety of pathways. The most usual method of transmission is by flea bites from rodents to humans carrying the bacteria. Recent studies, however, indicate that human ectoparasites, including lice, are also involved in transmission, especially in historical epidemics when there were few rats.

How does the Plague Spread?

Flea Bites: Infected fleas, which typically reside on rodents, transfer bacteria to humans during bites.

Direct Contact: Transmission is caused by handling infected animals or body fluids of infected animals.

Human Ectoparasites: Recent research has suggested that human lice may serve as carriers, infecting humans upon bite.

Airborne Transmission: During pneumonic plague, bacteria are transferred from individual to individual through respiratory droplets.

Types of Plague and Their Symptoms

Plague is not one disease but occurs in three principal forms:

1. Bubonic Plague

This is the most widespread form of the disease. Symptoms usually develop within 3-7 days of infection and comprise:

• High fever and chills
• Severe headaches
• Muscle pain and fatigue
• Painful swollen lymph nodes (buboes), typically in the groin, armpits, or neck

Bubonic plague, if not treated, can evolve into more deadly forms with very high mortality rates.

2. Septicemic Plague

This happens when the bacteria transmit through the bloodstream. Symptoms are:

• Fever and chills
• Abdominal pain and vomiting
• Sepsis developing rapidly, causing necrosis of the tissues

Septicemic plague can kill in hours without treatment.

3. Pneumonic Plague

This is the deadliest form of the disease since it transmits through respiratory droplets, and therefore it's extremely contagious. Symptoms are:

• Severe respiratory distress
• Coughing up blood
• Chest pain and shortness of breath
• Rapid development of respiratory failure

Pneumonic plague is treated promptly with antibiotics because it is life-threatening within 24 hours.

Is Plague Still a Threat?

Plague still lingers despite the improvement in medicine. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), between 1,000 to 2,000 plague cases are still being reported every year. Recent occurrences have been in the US, Peru, China, Bolivia, Uganda, Tanzania, and Russia.

Researchers are also concerned that Yersinia pestis can become antibiotic-resistant, which might make treatment harder. Furthermore, the possibility of bioterrorism has focused efforts on more vaccine and second-line treatment studies.

Treatment and Prevention Measures

If plague is detected early enough, it can be very easily treated with the antibiotics:

Streptomycin and Gentamicin: Pitted against Yersinia pestis, these aminoglycoside antibiotics block protein synthesis in bacteria.

Doxycycline and Ciprofloxacin: These are also employed for post-exposure prophylaxis in high-risk exposures.

Early diagnosis and prompt administration of antibiotics can lower mortality rates to below 10%.

Researchers are working hard to create a vaccine for the plague, especially because of the fear of antibiotic-resistant strains. In the past, several vaccines have been created, including:

Live-Attenuated Vaccines: Employed in certain nations, although not popularly accepted because of safety issues.

Formalin-Killed Vaccines: They were given to US troops in Vietnam but proved useless against pneumonic plague.

Newer candidates under investigation are designed to offer greater and more effective protection against all types of plague.

Are We Prepared for Another Plague Outbreak?

With re-emergence possible, health agencies worldwide are following outbreaks closely and spending money on research in hopes of averting another pandemic-sized epidemic. While medicine has better equipment with which to battle the disease today, speedy detection, public awareness, and vaccine development continue to be important to guarantee that the bubonic plague no longer turns into a global catastrophe.

Although the bubonic plague might be perceived as a thing of the past, it is a current and ongoing threat. The recent false alert in the UK is a stark reminder of its latent threat. By learning from its history, mode of transmission, and possible treatments, we can more effectively prevent future outbreaks. While scientists press on with their quest to create a vaccine, public health interventions and ongoing research will be key to containing and eventually eliminating the plague.

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) confirmed that the illnesses are associated with recalled salami products distributed in various provinces, triggering immediate public health advisories, health authorities are investigating a salmonella outbreak that has already infected over 50 individuals and resulted in seven hospitalizations.

The PHAC states that the outbreak was attributed to three particular salami products sold under two product names: Rea's Genoa Salami Sweet and Genoa Salami Hot, and Bona's Mild Genova Salami. All of these were sold and distributed within Ontario, Alberta, and Manitoba through different locations such as grocery stores, butcher shops, restaurants, cafes, and specialty markets.

Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) released a notice of recall on June 10, after increased numbers of reported cases were reported between mid-April to late May 2025. Up to June 11, 57 individuals have been confirmed ill, 44 in Alberta and 13 in Ontario. PHAC indicates additional cases may emerge, referencing an infective-to-report window of up to 45 days.

Where Was the Salami Contaminated?

Examinations find that most of the infected people had eaten the salami in pre-cut sandwiches or deli counter portions, highlighting the common distribution and consumption of the recalled items. The CFIA has called on consumers to inspect their refrigerators and dispose of any impacted items or bring them back to the place of purchase.

What is a Salmonella Infections?

Salmonella is a bacterium that can result in a serious infection of the gastrointestinal tract called salmonellosis. While most individuals recover from it within four to seven days without any medical treatment, susceptible groups of people like children, pregnant women, elderly, and immunocompromised patients can develop serious complications.

The symptoms occur within six to 72 hours of consumption and are as follows:

• Severe fever
• Chills
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal cramps
• Headaches
• Nausea

In certain instances, the salmonella infection can have more serious health effects, such as bloodstream infection and chronic joint discomfort, or reactive arthritis.

Of the 57 confirmed cases, approximately 67% are male and range in age from less than one year to over 100 years old. Seven patients have been hospitalized, with no reported deaths yet.

PHAC emphasizes that not everyone exposed to salmonella will become sick, and the severity of symptoms can vary. Nonetheless, any suspected case should be reported immediately to local health authorities.

Public Health Advisory and Consumer Safety Measures

The CFIA stresses that food contaminated with salmonella may not exhibit any visible signs of spoilage, making vigilance all the more critical. Consumers are strongly advised to:

• Dispose of the recalled products immediately
• Avoid eating ready-to-eat sandwiches or deli foods if the origin of salami is not known
• Follow safe food handling practices at home, such as proper storage and washing hands

If you believe a product is contaminated or want to file a food safety complaint, you can file it through the CFIA's online reporting portal or by filing a consumer product incident report.

PHAC and CFIA are closely tracking the outbreak and working cooperatively with provincial health ministries and impacted businesses to prevent further spread. The agencies are also backtracking along the supply chain to identify the source of contamination.

Updates will be made as the investigation progresses on the CFIA and PHAC websites. Consumers should remain updated and adhere to public health guidelines to reduce risk.

This incident is a grim reminder of the extreme need for stringent food safety procedures and openness in food production and distribution. Most people who contract salmonellosis will recover without treatment, but the outbreak highlights the seriousness of foodborne diseases and the need for information awareness.

Just when the world seemed to settle into a post-pandemic rhythm, a new COVID-19 variant—NB.1.8.1, nicknamed Nimbus—is gaining ground and rattling global health authorities. With its hallmark symptom being an agonizing sore throat that patients describe as feeling like “swallowing razor blades,” the variant has already led to a noticeable rise in infections across several countries.

First identified in early 2025, this Omicron subvariant is making headlines as cases spike across Asia and begin to surface in North America, Europe, and Australia as well. With international mobility returning to pre-pandemic levels, global health experts are closely monitoring its trajectory.

NB.1.8.1 is a mutated form of the Omicron variant, it is continuing the trend of subvariants that are more transmissible but, so far, not necessarily more severe. It was first detected and quickly spread through densely populated regions of China and Hong Kong.

By late April, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that NB.1.8.1 accounted for approximately 10.7% of globally submitted genomic sequences—up from just 2.5% a month earlier. This rapid expansion prompted the WHO to designate it as a “variant under monitoring” on May 23.

What Makes NB.1.8.1 Different?

What sets NB.1.8.1 or Nimbus, apart from earlier COVID-19 variants is its unique set of symptoms, most notably the intense sore throat.

Patients across various countries, including Thailand, Indonesia, and the UK, have described a "razor blade" sensation in the throat, far more painful than the sore throats associated with previous variants.

Virologists, including Australia’s Dr. Lara Herrero of Griffith University, believe this new variant has a higher transmission potential and increased immune evasion capabilities, meaning it can more easily bypass natural or vaccine-induced immunity, contributing to its rapid spread.

Key Symptoms of New COVID Variant NB.1.8.1 To What to Watch For

While the classic COVID symptoms like fever and fatigue remain present, NB.1.8.1 adds a painful twist to the mix. Here’s what patients have been reporting:

• Severe sore throat described as 'swallowing razor blades'
• Fatigue and body aches
• Mild to moderate fever
• Congestion and runny nose
• Persistent mild cough
• Gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea and nausea in some cases

Healthcare professionals caution that these symptoms can be confused with the flu or seasonal allergies, making early detection more challenging without testing.

How Dangerous Is New COVID Variant NB.1.8.1?

Despite its painful symptoms and swift spread, current data suggests that NB.1.8.1 is not more deadly than prior variants. The WHO has emphasized that existing COVID-19 vaccines remain effective at preventing severe disease and hospitalization caused by this strain.

A pre-print study (still pending peer review) also indicates that although the variant demonstrates high immune evasion, the severity of illness appears consistent with previous Omicron variants. That said, under-testing in many parts of the world means the actual scale of spread may be underreported.

Several factors contribute to the rise in COVID cases globally:

Reduced testing and complacency: Fewer people are getting tested for COVID-19 compared to the height of the pandemic, making tracking more difficult.

Seasonal mobility: Increased travel and fewer restrictions may be aiding the variant’s spread.

Vaccine fatigue and rollback of mandates: Recent policy changes, such as the rollback of vaccine recommendations for children and pregnant women in the U.S., could affect future immunization rates.

Dr. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Health and Human Services Secretary under the Trump administration, recently stated a controversial shift in vaccine recommendations, despite evidence supporting vaccination—especially for pregnant women—to protect both mother and baby.

How To Stay Safe and Protected?

Health experts explain that COVID-19 vaccines continue to be a first and most important aspect of defense and protection, including against NB.1.8.1. There is no current evidence that the variant undermines vaccine effectiveness against severe illness.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) also urges pregnant women to stay up to date on their COVID vaccinations, citing strong data showing that vaccinated mothers pass antibodies to their newborns, offering early protection.

While NB.1.8.1 isn’t considered a “variant of concern” yet, its rapid rise in numbers and severe sore throat symptoms have placed it on the global radar. The good news is that existing public health measures—vaccination, hygiene, mask-wearing in high-risk settings—still work.

Individuals who experience persistent throat pain, especially if accompanied by other flu-like symptoms, are advised to get tested and isolate as necessary.

The present guidance from public health officials mirrors what the international community has collectively embraced as received wisdom:

• Keep practicing proper hand hygiene.
• Use masks in indoor, poorly ventilated, or congested settings.
• Self-isolate and get tested if having cold-like symptoms.
• Stay home and refrain from unnecessary social contacts if ill.

The emergence of NB.1.8.1 is a sharp reminder that COVID-19 is far from over. While it may no longer dominate headlines like it did during the global crisis, its ability to mutate and spread remains potent.

If your sore throat feels unusually painful—like swallowing glass or razor blades, it might be time to test, mask up, and protect those around you.

The U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Wednesday unveiled eight new members to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), days after abruptly dismissing the previous 17-member panel. Health and Me had previously reported on the JFK Jr.'s decision to 'retire' the existing members of the ACIP.

This move has stirred concern among doctors, scientists, and public health groups, who fear Kennedy is steering federal vaccine policy in a direction driven more by ideology than science.

The new appointments include individuals known for their skepticism about mainstream vaccine science, including critics of COVID-19 vaccines and public health measures implemented during the pandemic.

A Shift in Tone and Credentials

Among the new advisers is Dr. Robert Malone, a scientist who once worked on mRNA vaccine technology and later gained notoriety for promoting conspiracy theories about COVID-19 vaccines. Malone has suggested that Americans were “hypnotized” into taking vaccines and claimed the shots cause a form of AIDS—both statements widely debunked by scientific communities.

Also joining the panel is Dr. Martin Kulldorff, a co-author of the controversial Great Barrington Declaration that argued against pandemic lockdowns, and Dr. Cody Meissner, a pediatric infectious disease expert who previously served on both ACIP and the FDA’s vaccine advisory panel.

Vicky Pebsworth, a regional director for the National Association of Catholic Nurses and former board member of the National Vaccine Information Center—often cited for spreading vaccine misinformation—was also appointed.

Concerns About Qualifications and Bias

Public health experts expressed alarm over the new composition. “The previous ACIP was made up of technical experts who have spent their lives studying vaccines,” said Abram Wagner, a University of Michigan public health researcher. “Most people on the current list don’t have the technical capacity we expect from those making complex, science-driven decisions.”

Wagner added that the inclusion of Pebsworth was “incredibly problematic,” due to her association with groups accused of spreading vaccine misinformation.

Despite public concerns, Kennedy stated the committee would not be composed of “anti-vaxxers” but of “credentialed scientists.”

ALSO READ: RFK Jr. Removes Entire CDC Vaccine Advisory Committee

A Closer Look at the Appointees

Other appointees include:

• Dr. James Hibbeln, a former NIH neuroscientist focused on nutrition and brain health.
• Retsef Levi, an MIT operations management professor who called for an end to the COVID-19 vaccine program in a 2023 video.
• Dr. James Pagano, an emergency medicine physician from Los Angeles.
• Dr. Michael Ross, a Virginia-based obstetrician and gynecologist.
• Dr. Meissner, arguably the most experienced in vaccine policy among the new members, served on ACIP and the FDA’s vaccine advisory committee. During his term, he notably voted against broad booster recommendations in 2021—a decision later overturned by the FDA.

Changing Course on Public Health Policy

The ACIP, created in 1964, advises the CDC on how to use FDA-approved vaccines. While Kennedy promised during his Senate confirmation to uphold the vaccination schedule, he has since overridden ACIP’s guidance. In May, he independently altered COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for children and pregnant women.

On Monday, he dismissed all 17 existing ACIP members, pledging to install a new team before the committee’s next meeting in late June. The upcoming agenda includes key decisions on vaccinations for flu, COVID-19, HPV, RSV, and meningococcal disease.

Kennedy, long a polarizing figure in the vaccine debate, has accused the former panel of being too aligned with pharmaceutical companies. Critics warn that his restructured committee may prioritize politics over public health science.