Plague - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

What Is the Plague?

Plague is a highly infectious disease. It is caused by a bacteria called Yersinia pestis. After getting complete exposure to the bacteria, the disease can be confirmed only after seven days. There are three forms of plague. It is estimated that more than 600 patients are affected every year. It is referred to as the black plague. It is a disease that is progressing very fast. If it is not treated properly, then it can result in death.

What Are the Types of Plague?

There are three types of plague. They are:

• Bubonic plague.

• Septicemic plague.

• Pneumonic plague.

Flea bites cause the first two types. It can also be caused by direct contact with the affected animal. The pneumonic plague is transmitted through the air. Antibiotics are reported to be helpful. The three forms occur mostly in the population that are underdeveloped. In earlier centuries, reports show that there have been more than fifty million deaths due to plague.

What Are the Sign and Symptoms of the Plague?

1) Bubonic Plague: It mostly occurs in an individual who has blood wounds. When the flea attacks an individual, there will be contamination of the wound. The bacterium will get transmitted through the affected tissue into the body. Then, the bacteria begin to multiply in number. The body’s immune system fights against the bacteria, but it is not fully beneficial. The bacteria still survive and enter the interstitial fluid and lymphatic system. As a result, there will be the release of many toxins in the body. The characteristics of symptoms that could be noted are:

• Enlargement of lymph nodes.
• Acute lymphadenitis.
• Bleeding of the tissues.
• Necrosis.

Due to the severe enlargement of lymph nodes, there will be an entry of bacteria into the bloodstream. This will result in the secondary septicemic plague. If there is the involvement of the lungs, then it will end up in secondary pneumonic plague.

2) Septicemic Plague: Septicemic plague is a severe condition because of the unlimited levels of bacterial toxins. The well-known symptoms are:

• Small blood clots will lead to disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).
• Lack of blood circulation will result in tissue death.
• Extreme bleeding.
• Reddish rashes, it may be black sometimes.
• Vomiting of blood (Hematemesis).
• Blood while coughing (Hemoptysis).
• Protruded bumps on the skin.

It is possible to reduce death rates in people who get infected by this type. Many reports show that people who are affected by the septicemic plague heal very soon after the expression of symptoms.

3) Pneumonic Plague: The word pneumonic refers to the lungs. The transmission of this type of plague primarily occurs through the infected air droplets. A person who is having a cold or cough should stay away from healthy individuals because of the high risk of infection. The symptoms seen in pneumonic plague are:

• Nausea and vomiting.
• Headache.
• General body weakness.
• Respiratory diseases.

This is the most severe form and the mortality rate is 100 % in untreated patients.

What Are the Routes of Transmission?

• It can be transmitted from a person who is infected by Yersinia pestis through direct contact.

• Indirect contact with the objects that are used by the affected person is also known to be a causative factor. These objects include soaps, towels, dresses, vessels, food plates, drinking glasses, etc.

• Physical contact with the infected person. This might include sexual contact or touching an affected person directly.

• Fecal-oral route: It occurs in the consumption of food that is contaminated. Drinking water that is unhygienic can also be the reason for transmission.

• Airborne transmission: If the infected person coughs or sneezes, the droplets remain in the air for a very long time. When a healthy individual comes in contact with these droplets, they are prone to get the infection.

• Vector-borne transmission: This type of transmission involves spreading bacteria from insects, birds, or other animals. The bacteria remain in the animal reservoirs. This is the main cause of transmission. Rodents are the prime source of Yersinia pestis. They are predominantly found in the Asian continent. They are not found in Australia. The fleas are attracted more to the rats. This makes the rats more susceptible to Yersinia pestis. The infected rodent becomes a carrier. When this flea bites a healthy individual, the disease of plague occurs in the human. The flea that attacked the human begins to feed on the same individual for survival.

What Are the Risk Factors for the Plague?

The risk factors for the plague are:

• Cold climatic conditions.

• Poor socioeconomic status.

• Occupation such as farming and hunting.

• Living in crowded areas.

• Residing in areas that are considered as endemic.

How Is It Diagnosed?

The diagnosis method is different for different stages.

• Bubonic plague: The diagnosis for this type requires samples that are collected from the swollen lymph nodes.

• Septicemic plague: It can be diagnosed using a routine blood test.

• Pneumonic plague: To diagnose the pneumonic plague, the fluid collected from the airways is tested by the insertion of airway tubes. This procedure is called a bronchoscopy.

All the samples that are collected from the patients will be sent to the laboratory for further investigation. Results may be obtained in one or two days. After confirming the diagnosis, the doctor will formulate a treatment plan.

What Is the Treatment?

Plague is a fatal disease and requires proper medications. The antibiotics that are prescribed for the plague are Ciprofloxacin and Gentamicin. In severe cases, hospitalization is required for intravenous fluid infusion and supplemental oxygenation.

What Are the Precautionary Measures?

Recently, the plague in humans has become very rare. So, routine vaccination for plague is not essential. But, there are certain measures to be taken to prevent a plague. They are:

• Keep your house and workplace very clean. It is necessary to keep your surroundings free from dust.

• Make sure your pets are free from fleas. Do not allow your pet animals to sleep with you.

• Proper usage of insect repellent is required.

• A good sanitation protocol should be followed.

If you need any clarifications, call a doctor online.