The last noted plague epidemic in the U.S. was in 1924-25, and since then human plague in the U.S. is sporadic, typically the bubonic form and concentrated in the southwestern states. More recent outbreaks including deadly pneumonic plagues have occurred worldwide in virtually all continents, with endemic foci of plague in India, China, Algeria, Brazil, and others. Each year, between one and 20 cases are reported in the U.S., and about 2,000 cases are reported worldwide with most occurring in rural areas.