Plague


Last Updated December 20th, 2021

What is the plague?

Plague, also referred to as the black plague, is a zoonotic disease that is caused by Yersinia pesti, a type of bacteria. This disease affects humans as well as other animals. Rodent fleas – which are found in rats

mice, squirrels, rabbits, prairie dogs, chipmunks, voles – are normally the vectors that transmit this disease from animals to humans. However, humans also contract this disease when handling an infected animal.

Plague is one of the oldest diseases known to man. During the middle ages in Europe, the plague was responsible for the deaths of millions of people. Today, plague can be treated effectively by antibiotics, although it can still be life-threatening in the absence of prompt treatment.  Many cases of plague are still prevalent in parts of Asia and Africa.

A brief history

The first recorded plague pandemic was known as the Justinian Plague. It happened in the 6th century and was named after Byzantine emperor Justinian I. It killed over 25 million people over a period of two hundred years (541 C.E to 741 C.E)

The second pandemic – the infamous “Black Death” or the Great Plague – originated in China in 1334 C.E. It then spread to Constantinople (modern Istanbul) before reaching Europe, where it killed 60% of the population.

The third pandemic – also known as the Modern Plague – again in China in the 1860s and appeared in Hong Kong by 1894. It then spread to port cities around the world by rats on ships. It caused approximately 10 million deaths. However, during the third pandemic, scientists were also to determine that plague was caused by a bacterium and was transmitted via flea bites.

After antibiotics were introduced in the 1940s, the mortality rates of plague dramatically went down. Today, less than 200 people die from the plague, which is still prevalent in rural areas of Africa.

Types of plagues

They are three types of plagues

Bubonic plague

This is the most common type that affects a person’s lymphatic system. It gets in name owing to the fact that it causes buboes, swollen and painful lymph nodes under the arms, in the neck, or in the groin. This type is usually transmitted when a person is bitten by an infected rodent or a flea. In some rare cases, a person may get this disease when he/she comes in contact with an infected person. The bacteria spread to other parts of the body if left untreated.

The most common form of plague is the bubonic plague. It’s usually contracted when an infected rodent or flea bites you. In very rare cases, you can get the bacteria from material that has come into contact with an infected person.

Septicemic plague

This type is more dangerous compared to the bubonic plague. Septicemic plague happens when the bacteria move into a person’s bloodstream. The most common symptoms include

  • Bleeding from mouth, nose, bottom, under the skin
  • Blackened skin
  • Stomach ache
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting

Pneumonic plague

This is the rarest type and is caused when the bacteria reach a person’s lungs. This type is very contagious as it is spread when the infected person coughs or sneezes. Some symptoms of this disease include

  • Persistent coughing
  • Breathing problems
  • Nausea and vomiting

Causes

Plague is more prevalent in areas with overcrowding, poor sanitation and large populations of rodents (especially rats). It

Yersinia pesti can be transmitted to humans in the following ways

Flea bites

This disease is usually transmitted to people when they are bitten by an infected flea. This happens when a plague outbreak among animals results in the death of many rodents (which are the fleas’ primary host). This prompts the fleas to look at alternate sources of blood. A person or an animal that visits places, where rodents have recently died, are at a high risk of being bitten and infected by fleas.

Contact with contaminated meat

If a person comes in contact with a plague-infected animal, he/she may get the plague. This usually happens when a person comes in direct with an infected animal’s tissue or fluids. For example, a butcher skinning an infected animal without using proper precautions could become infected with the plague.

Contact with infected animals

Cats are very susceptible to plague due to their tendency to hunt and consume rodents. An infected cat can transmit plague via to their owners via droplets. In USA, cats are responsible for many cases of plagues

Droplet infection

This happens when a person breathes in air contaminated with cough or sneeze droplets from an infected person. This, however, only happens when a person comes in direct contact with an infected person. This type of transmission is usually rare in developed countries but is still prevalent in developing countries.

Symptoms

After an incubation period of 2-6 days, most infected people develop flu-like symptoms. The other symptoms of plague are varied depending on the type of infection.

Bubonic plague

Bubonic plague is always characterized by painful, swollen lymph glands, called buboes, which appear in the groin, armpits, neck. Other symptoms may include

  • Fever and chills
  • Headache
  • Muscle pain
  • General weakness
  • Seizures

Septicemic plague

The symptom of septicemic plague usually starts after the onset of the Bubonic plague. Sometimes, the septicemic plague may be fatal even before the symptoms appear. These symptoms can include

  • Abdominal pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Fever and chills
  • Extreme weakness
  • Bleeding (blood may not be able to clot)
  • Shock
  • Blackening of skin

Pneumonic plague symptoms

Pneumonic plague symptoms usually appear very quickly, sometimes even a day after infection. Some of the symptoms may include

  • Trouble breathing
  • Chest pain
  • Cough
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Overall weakness
  • Blood in sputum

Complications

Plague may cause the following complications

Death: Although the mortality rate of plague has drastically reduced since the development of antibiotics, people who do not receive prompt medical treatment die.

Gangrene: Gangrene is a condition where tissues of the body die due to lack of blood supply. This often happens in the hands and feet. Plague causes blood clots in the tiny blood vessels of the hands and feet. This results in tissue blackening. Tissues affected with gangrene generally need to be amputated.

Meningitis: This is a serious condition which is characterized by the inflammation of the membranes (meninges) surrounding your brain and spinal cord. Although rare, plague causes meningitis.

Diagnosis

Plague can be diagnosed in the following ways

  • Blood test: The doctor will take a blood sample from the suspected patient and analyze it for the presence of Yersinia pesti.
  • Analysis of lymph node fluids: The doctor may also take insert a needle into one of the infected patient’s lymph nodes and analyze it to determine the presence of Yersinia pesti.
  • Bronchoscopy: This is a procedure that lets doctors look at the patient’s lungs and air passages for any signs of pneumonic plague infection.

Treatment

Plague is a life-threatening disease that requires immediate medical care. With no proper treatment, bubonic plague can turn into septicemic plague and pneumonic plague very quickly. A person can die within 24 hours after the appearance of the first symptom. Treatment includes

Antibiotics: Plague is primarily treated by the administration of strong antibiotics such as gentamicin or ciprofloxacin.  With antibiotics, most people get better within a week or two. However, the course needs to be continued for several weeks even after the symptoms resolve.

Quarantine: People with plague (especially the pneumonic plague) should be isolated from other patients.

Prevention

Plague can be prevented by following these measures.

Controlling the rodent population

Rodents are the main vectors of fleas, which may carry the plague bacteria. You can use poisons or traps but doing so may only prove to be a temporary solution. If you want to get rid of a rodent problem once and for all, you’ll need to seal all potential entry points. You should also always dispose waste properly so rodents are not attracted.

Taking the right measures while handling the meat of potentially infected animals

You should always wear gloves while skinning an animal, especially rabbits or some small game. You may contract plague if your bare skin comes in contact with tissues or blood.

Using insect repellents while going camping or hiking

You should always apply insect repellents on the exposed areas of your skin while doing an outdoor activity like hiking, trekking or camping.

Treating your pets for fleas

As fleas are the vectors of plague, you should treat your pets for fleas as soon as possible. If your pet has the habit of roaming freely, it is more susceptible to getting infected fleas. Such pets should not be allowed to sleep on your bed or couch.

Do dead bodies spread plague?

The body of a recently deceased plague victim can infect people who come in close contact with the body. Hence, care should be taken by the people who prepare the body for burial or cremation. The bacterium will mostly be concentrated in the body fluids.

 

Dos and Don'ts

Dos
  • Always take your full antibiotics course as recommended by the doctor. Do not stop even after the symptoms get better.
  • Always close your mouth or nose while sneezing or coughing to reduce the risk of spreading it to others.
  • Gets pets regularly checked for fleas
Don'ts
  • Panic as the plague is full treatable disease.
  • Go to plague-infested areas without taking proper precautionary measures.
  • Let pets sleep with you if they have fleas

 

 

 

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Experts reveal the safest ways to perform an enema at home The idea of pushing some up your rectal area might make you queasy but an enema could actually…
Oxalates: How healthy greens can sometimes be bad news for your kidneys Oxalates are compounds present in a majority of healthy foods. However, at times an overconsumption of these could…
How accurate is the hair follicle drug test? Hair follicle drug test is one of the best ways to identify drug use in professional circles. But…
Appendix pain: Recent findings on this not-so vestigial organ The exact function of the appendix is still not clear. Some consider it as an organ that once…
ASTtest-liver
AST- Aspartate Aminotransferase Test AST test is a blood test that is used to measure the level of a particular liver enzyme…
malarial antigen test
Malaria Antigen Test A malaria antigen test is a rapid diagnostic test (RDT) that can detect malarial antigens (proteins) in your…
ureteroscopy
Ureteroscopy Ureteroscopy is the diagnostic procedure which is used for the detection of the kidney stones in addition to…
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Hepatitis Profile A hepatitis profile or a hepatitis panel is a blood test that checks for markers of hepatitis infection…
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Allopathy vs homeopathy vs ayurveda treatment for piles, fissures, and fistula Read to know the best form of treatment among allopathy, homeopathy,or ayurveda for piles, fissures, and fistula
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Facts about the Shepherd’s diet Kristina Wilds promoted Shepherd's diet, a Christian-based diet that highlights Jesus Christ's diet as mentioned in the Bible.
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Sweeteners – Are They Good or Bad for Our Health? Sweeteners can be artificial and natural. Learn about the different types of sweeteners and their health benefits and…
liver detox facts
7 liver detox facts and why ignoring these could kill you! Are you taking care of this organ that handles over 500 different vital functions in your body? Your…
nutritional yeast bread
Nutritional Yeast : How can a fungi culture be good for your body? Nutritional yeast: How a simple culture of fungi can transform your skin, digestion, immunity , and much more.…
xylitol gum
Xylitol : Is this the right sugar substitute for you? Discovered during World War 2 owing to sugar shortage, xylitol has become a common name in pharamaceutical industry.…
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Sodium chloride: The wonders and dangers of the simple table salt Sodium chloride is a salt containing sodium and chlorine ions at a 1:1 ratio. It is edible and…
How can Kegels help you overcome weak pelvic muscles & incontinence? Kegel exercises are pelvic floor strengthening exercises that can help you overcome incontinence issues that rise out of…
What is the right way to take a pregnancy test? A pregnancy test is undertaken to determine if you have conceived. A home pregnancy test is the most…
GERD heartburn
Heartburn: What are the exact symptoms and the best home remedies? There are easy home remedies for heartburn, which not only acts as a first aid when you experience…
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CrossFit: Now get the perfectly sculpted body with this explosive gym routine CrossFit is a fitness regimen that makes use of high-intensity exercises in a shorter period to achieve muscle…
GGt test
GGT – Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase Test GGT or gammaglutamyl transferase test is a liver function test that is used to detect the extent of…
colposcopy
Colposcopy Colposcopy is a simple, quick and non- invasive diagnostic tool to look closely inside the vulva, vagina, and…
Bloodtestalbumin
Albumin Test Albumin test or blood serum test is a liver function test that measures the amount of the protein…
fructosamine test
Fructosamine Test A fructosamine test measures blood sugar glucose content. Fructosamine level can indicate blood sugar level in past 2-3…
oral hygiene tips
6 shocking consequences of bad oral hygiene (and how to avoid them) Did you know bad breath is not just turning off, but also harms your body in ways you…
improve digestion weight loss
Power up your gut: 8 proven steps on how to improve your digestion Did you know you have a colony of bacteria in your gut that help you in digesting food?…
Is it possible to achieve full body detox with Master Cleanse? Master cleanse is a diet consisting of a lemonade based beverage, a salt water drink and a herbal…
Astaxanthin: Why experts believe it could be 550x more potent than vitamin E! What is astaxanthin and why is this new supplement on the block touted as the most powerful antioxidant…
How to scrub away stress and fatigue with an Epsom salt bath? Epsom salt is a popular home remedy for many skin ailments. Though there is a lack of scientific…
Ear pain model
Easy and safe tips for ear wax removal you can do at home Cerumen impaction generally occurs when an external object like cotton swabs are used to remove the ear wax.…
Balneotherapy jacuzzi
5 things you didn’t know about balneotherapy and how you can do it at home Sauna baths have been popular since a long time. But how much more beneficial can balneotherapy be as…
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Barium Enema Barium enema is also known as colon x-ray. Here, the patient is asked to consume small amount of…
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Hysteroscopy Hysteroscopy is a minimally invasive tool to help specialists view the uterus to diagnose and even treat several…
thyroxine t4 test
T4 (Thyroxine) Hormone Test The T4 or thyroxine blood test is an important diagnostic tool that gives a clear picture of how…
iron deficiency profile
Iron Deficiency Profile An iron deficiency profile is a battery of blood tests which are performed in order to determine the…
Proteinuria and blood pressure
Hypertension Profile Hypertension profile is a panel of blood tests done to analyse the cause of hypertension or high blood…
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Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) Total Blood test to look for IgM antibodies to know if you are infected with Hepatitis A virus (HAV),…
High Fiber Diet – Fire up your fiber intake for these health benefits! Regular bowels, healthy detox, higher immunity, and guaranteed weight loss - a high fiber diet can bring all…
gallbladder diet tomato
Gallbladder surgery :Tips on post-operative care and diet What to eat post a gallbladder surgery? What are the key things to avoid if you had a…
Bromelain: 11 reasons why you should start adding pineapple to your pizza! If you didn't love pineapples already, here are some of the top health benefits that bromelain can bring…
edamame
Edamame: How healthy are these green baby beans? Edamame or "immature" soybeans are soft and easily digestable forms of soybeans that are great as an eveyday…
The right way to prepare Alfalfa sprouts at home Alfalfa or lusan ghas is not just a nutritious animal fodder. This flavonoid-rich herb has some amazing health…
Kava: Is it the healthy substitute for alcohol you have been waiting for? Native to the beautiful South Pacific islands, Kava is a famous beverage rooted in the local culture. It…
Love tea, hate tannins? Rooibos tea is just what you need The market is brimming with a multitude of herbal teas. But what makes rooibos tea (or red bush)…
How to correctly perform nasal irrigation using a Neti Pot? Neti pot has been a part of Ayurveda since centuries. This ancient tool is extremely effective in treating…
These are the top foods to increase your hemoglobin count It is important to add iron-rich foods into your diet in order to increase hemoglobin. Deficiency of hemoglobin could…
CBC blood test
CBC (Hemogram 6-part diff) blood test CBC (Hemogram 6-part diff) blood test refers to the test that measures the number of RBCs, WBCs, etc…
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Support and care tips for helping people with depression Read to find out what is depression, its causes and symptoms. Also check out the steps describing how…
boost immunity tips
Step up your defence: 15 proven tips on how to boost your immunity Want to naturally build up a stronger immunity? Tired of frequent colds and runny nose?You will never believe…
Amaranth: Why is this native Peruvian grain called the “crop of the future”? Full of healthy high proteins and gluten-free, the grain, Amaranth, the tasty and ancient pseudo cereal from Peru,…
avocado benefits
Avocado: 15 reasons why this fruit should be a staple in your diet Did you know that the word avocado literally means "testicles". Don't get grossed out as this power-packed fruit…
green poop causes
Green poop : What are the reasons and how can you correct it Ever sneak a peek down the toilet only to shockingly find green poop? Why does our poop turn…
black seed oil benefits
Black Seed Oil: What secret benefits could it bestow on your health? Black seeds or nigella seeds are tiny packets of health brimming with amazing benefits. Find out why should…
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Gout Diet : Get relief from painful joints by eating these foods Are you a victim of this painful condition? Are medications providing only short relief? Find a list of…
Green, brown, & bitter: The instant advantages of including fenugreek in your diet Did you know the earliest usage of fenugreek can be traced back to the Egyptian civilization? Find out…
Tamarind: The top health benefits of this staple Asian ingredient Did you know this sweet and sour pulpy fruit does more than just add a tangy flavor to…

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