Plague
Plague is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. There are several clinical forms of plague infection: bubonic, pneumonic and septicemic. It can be a very severe disease in humans and may be fatal when left untreated.
Symptoms
Patients infected with plague usually develop nonspecific symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle pain, weakness, headache, nausea and vomiting. Symptoms occur 1 to 7 days after exposure.
Bubonic plague, which is the most common form of plague, is characterized by painful inflammation of the lymph nodes, called "buboes". Pneumonic plague, while quite rare, is extremely severe, and is characterized by coughing and shortness of breath. Finally, the septicemic form occurs when the bacterium enters the bloodstream. It can then cause bleeding, organ damage, and, in some cases, lead to gangrene.
Transmission
Plague is a bacterial infection usually found in small mammals and their fleas. Household pets can also bring infected fleas into the home. Humans can be infected through the following means:
- The bite of infected fleas
- Unprotected contact with infectious bodily fluids (e.g., from the carcass of an infected animal)
- Inhalation of airborne droplets from a patient with pneumonic plague released through coughing or sneezing
Prevention
Preventive measures include finding out if plague is present in the area to which you are travelling. If so, it is advised to take the following precautions:
- Wear long and light-coloured clothing
- Use insect repellent containing DEET or icaridin
- Avoid contact with wild animals, whether alive or dead, especially rodents
Additional precautions are required if pneumonic plague is present in humans, since it is extremely contagious. Speak to your health care provider.
Treatment
Urgent medical attention is advised for individuals who develop fever or any other plague-like symptom appearing within 10 days of possible exposure to plague. Treatment involves the use of antibiotics.