Plague (disease)
Plague (disease)
Plague (/pleɪɡ/; from Latin plaga meaning "stroke" or "wound") is a deadly infectious disease that is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. The disease is primarily spread to humans via the bite of an infected flea that has fed on an infected rodent.
Etymology
The term "plague" is derived from the Latin word plaga which means "stroke" or "wound". It was used to describe the rapid spread and high mortality rate of the disease during outbreaks.
Types of Plague
There are three forms of plague, each presenting different symptoms and requiring different treatments:
- Bubonic plague - This is the most common form of plague and is characterized by the sudden onset of fever, chills, weakness, and swollen and painful lymph nodes (called buboes).
- Septicemic plague - This form of plague occurs when the bacteria multiply in the blood. It can cause fever, chills, extreme weakness, abdominal pain, shock, and possibly bleeding into the skin and other organs.
- Pneumonic plague - This is the most severe form of plague and occurs when the bacteria infect the lungs. It can cause severe respiratory failure and shock.
Transmission
Plague is primarily transmitted through the bite of an infected flea that has fed on an infected rodent. Humans can also become infected through direct contact with infected tissues or fluids, or through inhalation of respiratory droplets from a person or animal (especially cats) with pneumonic plague.
Treatment
Plague is a serious illness, but it can be treated with antibiotics. If left untreated, the disease can be fatal. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to survival.
Prevention
Prevention of plague involves controlling rodent populations and fleas, and taking precautions to prevent flea bites. In some cases, a vaccine may be available.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Plague (disease)
- Wikipedia's article - Plague (disease)
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