The Plague: History, Symptoms, and Modern-Day Treatment

What is Plague?

Plague is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, which is primarily transmitted through fleas that infest small mammals. The disease manifests in three main forms: bubonic, septicemic, and pneumonic. Plague causes severe symptoms like high fever and weakness, and if untreated, it can be fatal. However, timely antibiotic treatment is effective against this disease.

What Is the Plague Called Today?

Even though it’s been centuries since it was called "The Black Death," which devastated Europe in the 14th century, the disease is still known as plague. This name highlights its fearsome history and devastating impact.

Does the Plague Still Exist?

Yes, the plague does still exists today. While it is not as widespread as during historical pandemics, occasional cases are reported in various continents, except Oceania. Since the 1990s, most human instances have been reported in Africa, especially in Madagascar and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

What Are the Types of Plague?

Plague is primarily categorised into three types: bubonic, septicemic, and pneumonic.

Bubonic Plague

Bubonic plague is the most common form and is usually transmitted through the bite of infected fleas. The bacterium Yersinia pestis enters the body and travels to the nearest lymph node, causing it to swell and become painful, forming a "bubo." If left untreated, bubonic plague can progress to septicemic plague.

Septicemic Plague

Septicemic plague occurs when Yersinia pestis spreads directly into the bloodstream. It can develop from untreated bubonic plague or through contact with infected materials. This plague symptoms includes fever, chills, abdominal pain, and bleeding, which can cause severe complications like organ failure and gangrene. Septicemic plague can be especially deadly, with a high mortality rate if not treated promptly.

Pneumonic Plague

Pneumonic plague is the most severe and least common type of plague. It can develop from untreated bubonic or septicemic plague or through inhaling respiratory droplets from an infected person. Pneumonic plague causes to severe respiratory symptoms and is highly contagious, making it capable of causing outbreaks.

Understanding plague types is important because each form has different transmission methods and treatment protocols. Recognising how plague causes illness in various ways is essential for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies.

What Is the Difference Between Bubonic And Pneumonic Plague?

Both plague types are serious, but pneumonic plague is especially dangerous because it spreads between people through respiratory droplets. This airborne transmission makes pneumonic plague much more contagious than bubonic plague, which primarily spreads through flea bites or contact with infected animal tissue.

Who Does Plague Affect?

Historically, plague has not discriminated; it has affected people of all ages, genders, social classes, and continents except Antarctica. Tens of millions of deaths have been recorded across three major pandemics in human history, including the 'Black Death,' which alone claimed about 25 million lives in Europe. This disease has had a significant impact on our world.

How Common Is Plague?

Although major plague pandemics belong to history books now, isolated cases still occur globally. Since the 1990s, most human cases have been reported in Africa, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar, and Peru. In Madagascar, bubonic plague cases are reported almost every year during the epidemic season, which spans between September and April.

How Does Plague Affect My Body?

The Yersinia pestis bacteria typically enters the human body through a bite from infected flea. Once inside, it can manifest in three main forms, depending on the plague types: bubonic, septicemic, and pneumonic.

• Bubonic plague is characterised by swollen and painful lymph nodes called buboes. The bacteria multiply in a lymph node, usually near to the site of the flea bite.
• Septicemic plague causes the bacteria multiply in the bloodstream, leading to severe symptoms such as extreme weakness, abdominal pain, shock, and even bleeding into the skin and other organs.
• Pneumonic plague is the most severe form of plague characterised by the infection of the lungs. It can develop from untreated bubonic or septicemic plague or when a person inhales infectious droplets from another person or animal with pneumonic plague.

What Was the Deadliest Plague?

The deadliest plague was undoubtedly the Black Death which raged across Europe from 1348 to 1350. Often referred to as 'the plague', this infamous pandemic resulted in the deaths of about 25 million people, nearly a third of Europe's population at the time.

What Are the Symptoms of Plague?

Plague symptoms vary depending on the type of plague:

• Bubonic Plague: Sudden fever, headache, chills, and one or more painful, swollen lymph nodes.
• Septicemic Plague: Fever, chills, extreme weakness, abdominal pain, and possible bleeding into the skin or other organs.
• Pneumonic Plague: Fever, headache, weakness, and rapidly developing pneumonia, accompanied by shortness of breath, chest pain, and cough.

What Does Plague Look Like?

Visual symptoms vary depending on the type of plague. Bubonic plague is characterised by visibly swollen lymph nodes, known as 'buboes.' Septicemic plague can cause the skin and tissues to turn black and die due to gangrene. Pneumonic plague primarily affect the lungs, causing to respiratory distress.

What Causes Plague?

Plague is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, which is found in small mammals and their fleas. It is transmitted to humans primarily through flea bites, but also via contact with infectious bodily fluids or contaminated materials, or inhalation of droplets from a patient with pneumonic plague.

How Does Plague Spread?

Plague usually spreads through flea bites. Fleas become infected when they feed on small mammals, like rats, that carry the bacteria. When these infected fleas bite humans, they transmit the bacteria, leading to plague. Additionally, individuals with the pneumonic form of the disease can spread it to others through airborne droplets.

What Animals Carry Plague?

Plague bacteria circulate among various small mammals, including rats, mice, voles, squirrels, and rabbits, along with their fleas. Pets like dogs and cats can also contract plague by eating infected animals or carrying fleas that harbor the bacteria.

Is Plague Contagious?

Bubonic and septicemic plague types are not directly contagious between humans, but pneumonic plague can be transmitted through respiratory droplets expelled by infected individual or animal when they coughs or sneezes.

How Is Plague Diagnosed?

Plague is diagnosed through laboratory testing, as symptoms can be non-specific. Medical professionals typically collect samples from the patient, such as blood or fluid from swollen lymph nodes (buboes). These samples are then tested for the bacterium Yersinia pestis, which is the plague-cause agent. Rapid diagnostic tests can also detect plague within minutes by identifying specific antigens. Early diagnosis is crucial, since prompt antibiotic treatment significantly improves the chances of recovery, especially when plague causes severe illness.

What Tests Are Done to Diagnose Plague?

Diagnosis involves laboratory tests to identify Yersinia pestis in a sample of body fluid or tissue. The type of test used depends on the individual's symptoms and their length of illness.

How is Plague Treated?

Plague treatment involves the immediate administration of antibiotics, which is crucial for recovery. Getting timely plague treatment significantly reduces mortality rates, and most patients start to feel better within one to two weeks. Supportive care, like oxygen therapy and hydration, may also be needed. Prompt plague treatment is important as untreated cases can lead to serious complications or death.

What Medications Are Used to Treat Plague?

Plague is usually treated with antibiotics, and the choice of medication depends on factors such as the type of plague, the patient's age, and their overall health.

How Can I Prevent Plague?

Prevention strategies for plague include avoiding areas where the disease is active, using insect repellent, reducing rodent habitats around your home, and keeping pets free from fleas. These measures can help minimize the risk of infection.

Is There a Vaccine for Plague?

Several experimental plague vaccines have been developed, including live-attenuated and subunit vaccines, but none have received FDA approval for human use. Research is ongoing to explore new vaccine candidates, with a focus on ensuring their safety and effectiveness.

What Should I Expect If I Have Plague?

If diagnosed and treated promptly, recovery from plague is generally good. However untreated bubonic plague can develop into more severe forms, such as septicemic or pneumonic plague, which can be fatal. Therefore, seeking immediate medical attention is crucial.

How Long Does Plague Last?

The duration of illness can vary depending on the type of plague and when treatment is started. With appropriate antibiotic therapy, patients begin to start improvement within two days. Buboes caused by bubonic plague may take several weeks to resolve.

What Are the Complications of Plague?

Without prompt treatment, plague causes serious complications such as gangrene from tissue death, often seen in septicemic plague, or respiratory failure, which is common in pneumonic plague.

How Do You Survive the Plague?

Early detection and prompt treatment are crucial for survival. If you experience potential plague symptoms, especially after being in a region where the disease is known to occur or after contact with rodents or fleas, seek immediate medical attention.

What Is the Mortality Rate for Plague?

If left untreated, the mortality rate for plague can rise to 60% for bubonic plague and 100% for pneumonic plague. However, with prompt medical treatment, this rate can significantly drop to below 15%.

When Should I Consult About Plague?

If you’ve been exposed to a plague-prone area or suspect you’ve been bitten by a flea and are experiencing symptoms similar to plague, it’s crucial to contact your healthcare provider immediately.

What Historic Pandemics Were Caused By the Plague?

Plague has been responsible for three major pandemics in human history:

• The Plague of Justinian in the 6th century
• The Black Death in the 14th century
• The third pandemic that started in China in the late 19th century and spread to all continents except Antarctica

Conclusion

Despite of its dark history, being aware of plague causes and symptoms help us prevent and treat it effectively. With the help of modern medicine and antibiotics, we can manage and control plague much more efficiently than before.

At Metropolis Healthcare, we are dedicated to empower our patients with accurate information and reliable diagnostic services to help them prioritize their health. Our skilled technicians provide safe at-home sample collection, which is processed in our advanced diagnostic labs. Whether you need a routine health check-up or are exploring specific symptoms, Metropolis Healthcare is here to support you every step of the way on your journey to optimal health.