PLAGUE
Plague is an acute, severe infectious disease caused by the
bacterium Yersinia pestis.The bacterium is found in fleas and
wild rodents such as rats, squirrels, chipmunks or prairie dogs.
Plague is a zoonotic disease, which means it can be transmitted
to humans through animals, most often through the bites of
fleas or through direct contact with infected animal tissue.
The risk of plague is highest in areas that have poor sanitation,
overcrowding, and alarge population of rodents. The plague is a
rapidly progressing disease that can lead to death if untreated.
Signs & Symptoms
The symptoms of plague vary greatly depending upon the
specific form that develops.The main clinical forms of plague
are: bubonic, pneumonic, and septicemic
Bubonic Plague
Bubonic plague is the most common form of the disease.
Symptoms usually develop 2-6 days after exposure to the
bacterium and include the sudden onset of fever, chills,
weakness, headaches, muscle pain and a general feeling of
discomfort or ill health(malaise). An infected individual
develops a bubo - a tender, inflamed swelling of a lymph node.
Buboes are firm and often very painful. The lymph nodes of the
groin,armpit (axilla) or neck are most often involved. Some
individuals may experience gastrointestinal symptoms including
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. If untreated,
Plague is an acute, severe infectious disease caused by the
bacterium Yersinia pestis.The bacterium is found in fleas and
wild rodents such as rats, squirrels, chipmunks or prairie dogs.
Plague is a zoonotic disease, which means it can be transmitted
to humans through animals, most often through the bites of
fleas or through direct contact with infected animal tissue.
The risk of plague is highest in areas that have poor sanitation,
overcrowding, and alarge population of rodents. The plague is a
rapidly progressing disease that can lead to death if untreated.
Signs & Symptoms
The symptoms of plague vary greatly depending upon the
specific form that develops.The main clinical forms of plague
are: bubonic, pneumonic, and septicemic
Bubonic Plague
Bubonic plague is the most common form of the disease.
Symptoms usually develop 2-6 days after exposure to the
bacterium and include the sudden onset of fever, chills,
weakness, headaches, muscle pain and a general feeling of
discomfort or ill health(malaise). An infected individual
develops a bubo - a tender, inflamed swelling of a lymph node.
Buboes are firm and often very painful. The lymph nodes of the
groin,armpit (axilla) or neck are most often involved. Some
individuals may experience gastrointestinal symptoms including
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. If untreated,
