Plague is a life-threatening and fatal bacterial infection caused by Yersinia pestis bacterium strain. It resides in rodents, including rats, and is transmitted to humans by fleas that had fed on these rodents earlier. It had been referred to as “Black Death” during the Middle Ages, where it affected millions of people in Europe, and caused death.
Now, the occurrence of Plague and mortality rate has mainly been reduced, but still, if someone develops it, the person will require prompt treatment with the antibiotics; otherwise, it can be fatal. It’s still increasing progressively in Africa.
There are three basic types of Plague: Bubonic, Septicemic, and Pneumonic, out of which bubonic is the most common. All three basic types affect different parts of your body and have characteristic signs and symptoms.
Bubonic plaque: The most frequently occurring form of Plague that affects the lymph nodes. The term buboes refer to the swollen lymph nodes. The symptoms show up after around one week of infection. It can affect lymph nodes of any area e.g. groin, armpit or neck. The inflamed area becomes tender to touch. The symptoms include, sudden onset of fever and chills, fatigue, muscle and body aches, etc. Leaving it untreated or delaying the treatment can lead to its spread into the blood (septicemic Plague) or in the lungs (pneumonic Plague).
Septicemic Plague: When the Plague enters the bloodstream and starts to multiply there, this condition is known as septicemic Plague. This condition can be fatal as it can cause tissue bleeding and death. The dead tissues appear black, that is why also known as the Black Plague or Black Death. The other symptoms are abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, extreme fatigue, nose and gum bleeds, and shock.
Pneumonic Plague: It affects the lungs and is very uncommon, but the most dangerous and life-threatening form of Plague, as it is contagious and can transmit from one person to another via cough droplets. It is the only type of Plague that is contagious. The symptoms include; chest pain, difficulty breathing, coughing along with bloody mucus (sputum), headache, nausea, etc. It is rapidly progressive, leading to respiratory failure and shock within two days of infection. The mortality rate is exceptionally high in this type, and it needs treatment as early as the symptoms appear.
There are no significant risk factors of Plague but your environment, job, and hobbies may affect and can increase the risk
As for location, Plague is extremely common in rural and semirural areas, the areas having poor sanitation and areas where there is a high rodent population.
Gangrene is the most common complication of the Plague that happens when the blood flow in your tiny blood vessels (the ones in your fingers and toes) disrupts due to clot formation causing tissue death. The situation can be very serious that may require the surgical removal of the areas with tissue death.
No vaccine is available for the Plague up till now, but scientists are working hard to find one. However, it can be cured by antibiotics and by taking some precautionary measures. e.g., always wear gloves if you work in an area where you have to deal with rodents, use insect repellents, keep your pets fleas free by vaccinating, and getting them checked with a vet regularly. Take measures to keep your house rodents free and prevent their infestation.
A healthy and safe environment is the key to protection from various diseases.
Until Next Time,
Team Doctor ASKY!