Bubonic plague, or the "Black Death," is caused by Yersinia pestis. It killed 75–200 million people in Europe, Asia, and Africa in the 14th century, one of the deadliest pandemics. The plague changed medieval economies, cultures, and communities, and its consequences persist today. Key bubonic plague facts.
Transmission – The disease is primarily transmitted to humans through the bites of infected fleas that have fed on infected rodents, such as rats. It can also be transmitted through direct contact with the bodily fluids or tissues of infected animals.
Symptom – The characteristic symptom of bubonic plague is the sudden onset of fever and chills, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, and swollen, painful lymph nodes (called buboes), which typically occur near the site of the flea bite or scratch. If untreated, the infection can spread to other parts of the body.
Development and Form – If the bacteria reach the lungs, it can lead to pneumonic plague, which is the most virulent and least common form of plague and can be transmitted from person to person through airborne particles (cough droplets). – Septicemic plague, another form, occurs when the infection spreads directly through the bloodstream without forming buboes.
Diagnosis and Treatment – Diagnosis is made through clinical examination and confirmed by laboratory tests, including blood cultures or examination of fluid from a swollen lymph node. – Prompt treatment with antibiotics is crucial; if treated early, the prognosis for recovery is generally good. Without treatment, the disease can be fatal, with a high mortality rate.
Historical Impact The Black Death affected society, economy, and culture. It caused widespread labor shortages, which some historians believe improved worker wages and damaged the European feudal system. It changed health rules, social dynamics, and public health and sanitation policies.
Modern Occurrence – Bubonic plague is not eradicated and still occurs in some parts of the world, including the western United States, parts of Asia, South America, and Africa. – Modern sanitation, pest control, and public health practices have significantly reduced the spread and impact of the disease.
Prevention – Prevention strategies include reducing rodent habitats around homes, storing food supplies in rodent-proof containers, and using flea and tick preventatives on pets. – Public health authorities work to monitor and control the rodent populations in areas where plague could be a risk.