Pneumonic plague

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Pneumonic plague
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Fever, headache, weakness, cough, shortness of breath, chest pain
Complications	Respiratory failure, septic shock, death
Onset	1 to 7 days after exposure
Duration	Varies, can be fatal within 24 hours if untreated
Types	N/A
Causes	Yersinia pestis
Risks	Contact with infected animals or humans, bioterrorism
Diagnosis	Culture, PCR, serology
Differential diagnosis	Pneumonia, tuberculosis, influenza
Prevention	Avoiding contact with infected individuals, prophylactic antibiotics
Treatment	Antibiotics such as streptomycin, gentamicin, doxycycline, ciprofloxacin
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	High mortality if untreated, better with early treatment
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	High mortality rate if untreated

Medical team working together during the plague period in Madagascar

Pneumonic plague is a severe lung infection caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. Symptoms include fever, headache, shortness of breath, chest pain, and cough. They typically start about three to seven days after exposure. It is one of three forms of plague, the other two being septicemic plague and bubonic plague.

Causes

The cause of pneumonic plague is Yersinia pestis, a gram-negative bacterium. The bacteria are usually transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected flea. However, pneumonic plague can also be transmitted from person to person through respiratory droplets.

Symptoms

Symptoms of pneumonic plague typically begin within a few days of exposure to the bacteria. They include fever, headache, weakness, and rapidly developing pneumonia with shortness of breath, chest pain, cough, and sometimes bloody or watery sputum.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of pneumonic plague can be challenging due to its rarity and the commonality of its symptoms with other conditions. However, it can be confirmed through laboratory tests such as blood cultures or sputum cultures.

Treatment

Pneumonic plague is a serious illness and requires immediate medical attention. Treatment typically involves antibiotics such as streptomycin, gentamicin, or doxycycline. If left untreated, pneumonic plague can be fatal.

Prevention

Prevention of pneumonic plague involves avoiding contact with infected animals and taking precautions to prevent flea bites. In some cases, prophylactic antibiotics may be recommended.

See also

• Black Death
• Plague of Justinian
• Third plague pandemic

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