Have you heard of the Black Death in history? You might be surprised to learn that this great epidemic that shook the world hundreds of years ago is still being reported from time to time. That is what we call the plague in medicine today. Don't be afraid when you hear this name. Unlike in the past, today this disease can be completely cured if it is diagnosed and treated early. So, let's talk about everything clearly.
What exactly is Plague?
Simply put, plague is an infectious disease that affects humans and animals. It is caused by a bacterium called `Yersinia pestis`. This disease is most commonly spread by fleas. Imagine, when a flea bites an infected animal like a rat or squirrel, this bacteria enters the flea's body. Then, when that flea comes and bites us, that bacteria enters our body and we develop the disease. Also, if we come into close contact with infected animals or sick people, this disease can be transmitted directly.
Fortunately, we know more about these infectious diseases than our ancestors did. As a result, this disease is now very rare. Only a few thousand cases are reported worldwide each year. However, it is still considered a very dangerous disease .
What are the main types of plague?
Plague is mainly divided into three types. Each of them is different from each other. Let's understand it more clearly from this table.
| Plague type | Mode and nature of transmission |
|---|---|
| Bubonic Plague | This is the most common type. It is usually spread by the bite of an infected flea. Within 2-8 days, the bacteria accumulate and cause the lymph nodes to swell. These swollen, painful bumps are called "buboes." |
| Septicemic Plague | This can also be caused by flea bites or contact with an infected animal. If bubonic plague is not treated, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause this condition. |
| Pneumonic Plague | This is the most severe and dangerous type . Because it is the only one that can be spread directly from person to person. It is spread by breathing in droplets in the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It becomes severe very quickly (within 1-3 days). |
What are the symptoms of this disease?
Symptoms of plague begin to appear between 1 and 8 days after infection. Most people first experience general symptoms such as extreme fatigue , sudden onset of fever, chills, and headache . Later, specific symptoms develop depending on the type of disease.
Symptoms of Bubonic Plague
This is the most common type. The main symptom is swollen bumps called "buboes." These are very painful swellings that usually appear in the armpits, groin, or neck. If left untreated, the bacteria can spread to other parts of the body.
Symptoms of Septicemic Plague
This is more dangerous than bubonic plague. Here, the bacteria enter the bloodstream directly. Symptoms include:
- Bleeding from the mouth, nose, or stool, and bleeding under the skin.
- Darkening of the skin, especially around the nose and fingertips.
- Severe stomach pain , diarrhea , vomiting , and shock.
Symptoms of Pneumonic Plague
This is the rarest and deadliest type. If left untreated, death is certain.
- Chest pain.
- Coughing, sometimes with blood.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Nausea and vomiting.
If you have any of these symptoms, especially if you have been in an area where rodents are common, see a doctor immediately . Every hour is important in this disease.
How is the disease diagnosed and treated?
If you have symptoms of plague and have traveled to an area where the disease is reported or are at risk, your doctor may suspect it. To confirm the diagnosis, he or she will send a sample of your blood or a small piece of tissue from a swollen lymph node to a laboratory. There, they will test for the presence of the bacteria `Yersinia pestis`.
Time is very crucial in treatment.
If you have symptoms, your doctor will admit you to the hospital and start giving you antibiotics right away. The medications usually given are:
- Ciprofloxacin
- Doxycycline ( Doxycycline )
- Gentamicin
- Levofloxacin
This treatment is very effective. With antibiotics, most people recover within a week or two. But remember, if left untreated, many people with plague will die. So if you have any doubts about your symptoms, go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
How can we protect ourselves from this dangerous disease?
There is no vaccine against plague, so the best thing to do is to prevent the disease from spreading. There are a few simple things we can do to do that.
- Keep your home clean: If there are any holes or cracks that could allow mice and squirrels to enter your home, seal them.
- Clean up the garden: Clear away and tidy up places where animals can hide, such as piles of leaves, logs, and rocks.
- Use insect repellent: If you are walking in forested areas or hiking, apply a bug repellent containing DEET to your skin to protect yourself from fleas.
- Stay away from wild animals: Do not touch live or dead wild animals. If you must, wear gloves.
- Take care of your pets: Give your dog or cat the necessary flea treatment on time.
- Don't let pets that roam outside sleep in your bed.
Take-Home Message
- Plague is a very dangerous disease caused by bacteria, but it can be cured with prompt medical treatment .
- It is most commonly spread by fleas from infected animals, such as rats, biting humans.
- The main symptoms are sudden fever, chills, and painful swellings (buboes) in the armpits, groin, or neck.
- If you have symptoms like these, especially if you have been in an environment where animals such as rats are present, do not delay and see a doctor immediately .
- You can protect yourself from this disease by keeping your environment clean, staying away from wild animals, and taking care of your pets' health.
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