Final answer:
To prevent disease epidemics like the Black Plague, key steps have been taken including improved sanitation and hygiene, vaccine and antibiotic development, as well as quarantine measures and public health education.
Step-by-step explanation:
The steps taken to prevent disease epidemics like the Black Plague include: Improved sanitation and hygiene practices such as providing clean water and disposing of human waste, which prevent the transmission of many diseases. Development of vaccines and antibiotics like immunizations for diphtheria, cholera, pertussis, tuberculosis, tetanus, and yellow fever, as well as the discovery of penicillin which led to further antibiotic drugs, have been crucial in disease control. Additionally, measures such as quarantine and isolation, as well as public health education and awareness campaigns have been instrumental in reducing the spread of infectious diseases. Behaviors such as washing our hands, participating in public health education, getting vaccinations, and regular visits to the doctor are encouraged to maintain health and prevent diseases.