Efforts to increase food production in Africa may be increasing the risk of plague infection.Plague has been killing people for hundreds of years. A new report looks at efforts to clear land for farming in natural, undeveloped areas of Tanzania.The report links the development of natural lands into croplands to a sharp increase in the number of rats. It warns the animals often carry insects infected with plague.Many people become frightened when they hear the word "plague." One of the most famous periods of plague death was known as the "Black Death."It was a time 700 years ago when the disease killed more than 25 million people in Europe. Health officials do not believe plague will kill many people in Africa.But they are worried about the rising number of plague infections. Thirty to 60 percent of those infected will die if they are not given medicine.Plague is caused by bacterium. It is passed between animals and humans through the bite of an inflected flea or by touching an infected animal.
