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Plague, Bubonic

Medical Questions » Plague, Bubonic
Name: Plague, Bubonic
Also known as: Black Death
A severe generalized bacterial infection that is very rare in developed nations, but still present in many poorer Asian and African countries.
Causes of Plague, Bubonic
The bacterium Yersinia pestis which normally infects rats, and passes from one rat to another, or from rat to humans, by the bite of a flea.
Symptoms of Plague, Bubonic
Large, pus-filled glands (buboes) in the neck, groin and armpit; accompanied by a high fever, severe muscle pain, headache, rapid heart rate, profound tiredness and eventually coma. The infection may spread to the blood and cause black spots (bruises thus the ' black death' ) under the skin.
Tests for Plague, Bubonic
Diagnosis confirmed by special blood tests and cultures from the discharging glands.
Treatment for Plague, Bubonic
Isolation in hospital, antibiotics and intravenous drip feeding. Prevented by a plague vaccine or taking tetracycline tablets every day.
Complications of Plague, Bubonic of its treatment
Plague pneumonia or meningitis may develop.
Likely Outcome of Plague, Bubonic
In good hospitals virtually all patients will recover, but untreated the death rate exceeds 50%, and death may occur within a few hours in patients who are malnourished or in poor health. Complications are fatal without excellent medical care.
       
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