Devi Shastri, AP Health Writer

Colorado health officials were able to get ahead of the highly contagious virus by tracking its presence in sewer systems, researchers wrote.

Colorado football coach Deion Sanders was diagnosed with an aggressive form of bladder cancer earlier this year. He says he had surgery to remove the organ and is now considered cured by his doctors.

Colorado health officials have confirmed a human case of the plague. The rare bacterial infection is infamously known for killing tens of millions in 14th century Europe. Today, it's easily treated with antibiotics.