Plague
Plague
Plague is an infection caused by a germ. There are different kinds of plague. Bubonic plague − This type of plague is the most common. Your lymph nodes become swollen and tender. This is because the germs infect your lymph system. These swollen areas are called buboes. You also will have fever, chills, and weakness. Septicemic plague − Your lymph nodes are not affected. You will have fever, chills, and weakness. There is also bleeding under the skin and belly pain. Your blood pressure drops and shock happens. Pneumonic plague − This is the most serious type of plague. The germs infect your lungs and cause pneumonia. You can get this type by being in close contact with and breathing in the germs from an infected animal or person. You will have trouble breathing, a cough with bloody or watery mucus, and chest pain. You will also have fever, weakness, and headaches. The plague germ is spread to humans by fleas. The fleas bite an infected rodent, such as rats or prairie dogs. Then, they transfer the germ to us when they bite our skin. It is rarely spread from one person to another. It may be spread if clothing from a person with plague touches an open area in the skin of another person. Plague is treated with strong antibiotics, IV fluids, and oxygen. You may also need other treatments to support your body while you are sick.
