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The Bubonic Plague

The Bubonic Plague is a deadly disease caused by the bacteria Yersinia


pestis. This bacterium can be found in fleas, and rodents such as rats, squirrels,
chipmunks, and prairie dogs. Patients typically show symptoms 1-7 days after
exposure to the bacteria which can be contracted through direct contact,
coughing, or bite. Symptoms include
 Swollen lymph nodes in groin, armpit, or neck
 Fever, chills, fatigue
 Diarrhea, vomiting, nausea
 Others include: bleeding, delirium, headaches, loss of breath
 Muscle pain
The Bubonic Plague was first recorded in China in 224 B.C, but the largest
outbreak was in Europe in a five year from 1347 to 1352, known as the Black
Death, which came to Europe through disease infected rats on ships coming from
Central Asia, killing at least 100 million. The next serious outbreak of the plague
was the Great Outbreak of London, which lasted from 1665-1666, killing 60,000.
Although now rare, the plague requires hospital treatment. The treatment
includes strong and effective antibiotics, intravenous fluids, oxygen, and
sometimes breathing support. Antibiotic treatment is: Streptomycin 30 mg twice
a day, 7 days a week, Chloramphenicol 25-30 single dose followed by
12.5 mg 4 times a day, 7 days a week, and Tetracycline 2g single
dose, followed by 500 mg 4 times a day for 7-10 days.
Citations
“Plague.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 5 Jan. 2018,
www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/plague/symptoms-causes/syc-20351291?utm_source=Google.

“What Is the Plague?” WebMD, WebMD, www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/plague-faq#1.

“Plague: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.” MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine,


medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000596.htm.
“The Plague: Types, Causes & Symptoms.” Healthline, Healthline Media,
www.healthline.com/health/plague#Treatment7.
“Bubonic Plague.” Jama Masjid, Delhi - New World Encyclopedia,
www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Bubonic_plague.

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