Things you need to know about the Plague

You may have heard of the Black Death in history books and movies. At that time, millions of people in Europe and Asia died from this disease. That terrible disease caused what we call the Plague today. But don't worry, it's not as common now as it was then. However, this disease has not been completely eradicated from the world. That's why it's very important to be aware of this dangerous disease.

Simply put, what is this plague?

Plague is a serious infection caused by a bacterium called `Yersinia pestis` (Y. pestis) . It is a disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans. To be precise, the disease is usually transmitted when a flea bites an animal, such as a rat, that has this bacteria, and that flea comes and bites you.

Once this bacteria enters your body, there are three main types of plague, depending on where it settles in the body. Let's take a look at each in detail.

The three main types of plague

Imagine that the bacteria (`Y. pestis`) entered your body. Where it then travels in your body determines what type of plague you develop.

What are the symptoms of plague?

In addition to the common symptoms of plague, there are also specific symptoms depending on the type we discussed.

Common symptoms

• Sudden high fever
• Shivering due to cold
• Severe headache and body aches
• Extreme fatigue and weakness in the body
• Dizziness
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

Specific symptoms depending on the type

• Bubonic plague: One or more lymph nodes near the site of the bite (such as the armpit, groin, or neck) become very painful and swollen. These may look like large lumps.
• Septicemic plague: Abdominal pain, bleeding from the nose, mouth, or under the skin. Sometimes, tissue in places like the fingers, hands, and feet dies and turns black (gangrene).
• Pneumonic plague: Difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe cough, and phlegm with blood or watery discharge.

Although old paintings show plague patients with sores all over their bodies, this is not actually a symptom of the plague. It is more likely to be another disease, such as smallpox. The main symptom of the plague is the swollen lymph nodes (buboes).

How is this disease transmitted?

As we've talked about a bit before, there are several main ways that the Y. pestis bacteria can be transmitted to humans.

1. From fleas: This is the main way. A flea that bites an infected mouse or animal like a squirrel can then infect you with the disease.

2. Directly from infected animals: The disease can be transmitted if bodily fluids or tissues of an infected animal (living or dead) enter your body through a cut or wound on your skin.

3. From person to person: This only happens from a person with pneumonic plague . Another person can get the disease by breathing in the droplets that are released when they cough or sneeze.

How does a doctor diagnose this? What are the treatments?

If you have symptoms of plague, especially if you have been in an environment where fleas can bite, or if you have a painful swollen lymph node (bubo), you should see a doctor immediately. Tell your doctor the following:

• Have you recently traveled to an area where plague has been reported?
• Do you suspect you have fleas?
• Have you touched an animal that may be infected?

To confirm the disease, your doctor will send a sample of your blood, sputum, or fluid from a swollen lymph node to a laboratory to check for the presence of the Y. pestis bacteria.

Treatment

Antibiotics are used for this. Depending on your condition, your doctor may decide to start treatment without waiting for the test results. These medications can be given intravenously (IV) or as pills. Commonly used medications include `Ciprofloxacin`, ` Doxycycline( Doxycycline(Doxycycline) ) ) `, `Gentamicin`.

If you get treatment, you will start to feel better in about a week or two. However, it may take several weeks for the swollen lymph nodes (buboes) to heal. Never take these types of medications without medical advice.

How to protect yourself from plague?

The best way to avoid this is to stay away from fleas and animals that may have the disease.

• Keep the environment clean: Remove wood piles and garbage piles where animals like rats and squirrels can hide.
• Don't feed wild animals: Don't leave pet food out in the open. It can attract wild animals.
• Protect yourself from fleas: If you are going to wild areas, use a bug spray containing DEET.
• Take care of your pets: Ask your veterinarian about flea treatments for your dog or cat.
• Be careful when handling animals: If you have to handle a sick or dead animal, be sure to wear gloves.
• Do not let your pets loose: If you live in an area where plague is reported, do not let your pets loose outside.

If you have even the slightest suspicion that you have been exposed to the plague, talk to your doctor immediately and ask for advice on whether you should take antibiotics to prevent the disease from developing.