Bubonic Plague (Black death)

Source-This post on Bubonic Plague (Black death) is based on the article “Rare Case Of Bubonic Plague In US, It Killed 50 Million In 14th Century” published in “NDTV” on 14th February 2024.

Why in the News?

Recently, a rare case of bubonic plague, also known as the Black Death, has been detected in the US. It is likely transmitted by a pet cat.

What is Bubonic plague?

1. About– Bubonic plague is a severe bacterial infection caused by a bacteria called Yersinia pestis, which is typically found in small mammals and their fleas.
Note- Y. pestis bacteria can harm both humans and animals.

2. Name origin– Bubonic plague is named after the swollen lymph nodes (buboes) it causes. It resulted in millions of deaths in Europe during the Middle Ages.

3. Fatality Rate: It has a case-fatality ratio ranging from 30% to 60%.

4. Symptoms:
a. Sudden fever and chills.
b. Pain in the abdomen, arms, and legs.
c. Headaches
d. Swollen lumps in the lymph nodes that may leak pus.

5. Transmission:
a. Y. pestis is mainly spread by fleas on rodents and other animals.
b. It spreads between animals and humans through flea bites, direct contact with infected tissues, and inhaling infected respiratory droplets.

6. Incubation period– 2 to 8 days.

7. Treatment: Bubonic plague can be cured with antibiotics like Ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, Gentamicin, and Doxycycline.

What are the other types of plague?

Bubonic is one type of plague. Other types of plague include:
a. Septicemic plague, involves infection of the blood which spreads throughout the body.
b. Pneumonic plague, when the lungs are infected.

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