About Plague :-
This is a serious bacterial infection that is transfer primarily by fleas. The organism that give rise to plague, Yersinia pestis, they lives in small rodents. The organism is transfer to humans who are bitten by fleas that have fed on infected rodents or by humans handling infected animals.
This is also Known as the Black Death during medieval times, today plague take place in lesser than 5,000 people a year worldwide. It can be dangerous or deadly if it is not treated properly with antibiotics. The most normal form of plague results in swollen and tender lymph nodes called as buboes. which is in the groin, armpits or neck. The infrequent and deadliest form of plague affects the lungs, and this can be spread from person to person.
Plague Symptoms :-
Plague is divided into three main types. They are bubonic, septicemic and pneumonic. This depend on which part of your body is involved. Signs and symptoms differ depending on the type of plague.
● Bubonic plague :
Bubonic plague is the most usual variety of the disease. It is named after the swollen lymph nodes (buboes) that commonly take place in the first week after you become infected. Buboes may be :
• located in the groin, armpit or neck,
• In the size of a chicken egg,
• Tender and firm to the touch.
Other signs and symptoms may include:
• Sudden onset of fever and chills,
• Headache,
• Fatigue or malaise,
• Muscle aches.
● Septicemic plague :
This take place when plague bacteria multiply in your bloodstream. Signs and symptoms involve:
• Fever and chills,
• Extreme weakness,
• Abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting,
• Blood coming from your mouth, nose or rectum, or under your skin,
• Shock,
• Blackening and death of tissue (gangrene) in your extremities, most normally your fingers, toes and nose.
● Pneumonic plague :
This plague affects the lungs. It is the least usual variety of plague. But it is the most dangerous, because it can be spread from person to person through cough droplets. Signs and symptoms can start within a few hours after infection, and may include:
• Cough, with bloody mucus (sputum),
• Difficulty in breathing,
• Nausea and vomiting,
• High fever,
• Headache,
• Weakness,
• Chest pain.
Pneumonic plague proceed very fast and may lead to respiratory failure and shock within two days of infection. Pneumonic plague needs to be treated with antibiotics within a day after signs and symptoms first seen, or the infection is probable to be deadly.
When to See a Doctor :-
If you start to feel ill and have been in an area where plague has been known to take place, see for an immediate medical attention. You will need treatment with medication to cure serious complications or death.
Plague Causes :-
The plague bacteria, Yersinia pestis, is transfer to humans through the bites of fleas that have earlier fed on infected animals, like :
• Rats,
• Mice,
• Squirrels,
• Rabbits,
• Prairie dogs,
• Chipmunks,
• Voles.
The bacteria can also go into your body if a break in your skin comes into contact with an infected animal's blood. Domestic cats and dogs can become infected with plague from flea bites or from eating infected rodents.
This pneumonic plague, which affects the lungs, is spread by inhaling infectious droplets coughed into the air by a sick animal or person.
Plague Risk Factors :-
The risk of growing plague is very low. Worldwide, only a few thousand people get plague each year. But, your plague risk can be grown depending on the area where you live and travel, your job, and your hobbies.
- Location :
Plague outburst are most normal in rural and semirural areas that are .ore crowded, have poor sanitation and have a high rodent population.
- Job :
Veterinarians and their deputy have a greater risk of coming into exposure with domestic cats and dogs that may have been infected with plague. People who work outdoors in areas where plague infected animals are normal are also at greater risk of getting this plague.
- Hobbies :
Camping, hunting or hiking in areas where plague infected animals live can increase your risk of being bitten by an infected flea.
Plague Complications :-
Complications of plague may involve :
• Death
Most of the people who get proper antibiotic treatment they survive bubonic plague. Untreated plague has a high death rate.
• Gangrene
Blood clots in the smaller blood vessels of your fingers and toes can disturb blood flow and lead that tissue to die. The part of your fingers and toes that have been died may need to be removed (amputated).
• Meningitis
Rarely, plague may lead ti inflammation of the membranes surrounding your brain and spinal cord.
Plague Prevention :-
No successful vaccine is available, but scientists are working to make one. Antibiotics can help cure infection if you are at risk of or have been exposed to plague. Take the following instruction if you live or spend time in areas where plague outbreaks take place :
• Rodent-proof your home separate potential nesting areas, such as piles of brush, rock, firewood and junk. Do not leave pet food in areas that rodents can easily access. If you become know about of a rodent infestation, take measure steps to control it.
• Keep your pets free of fleas
Talk to your veterinarian about flea-control products which will work best.
• Wear gloves
When handling possibly infected animals, wear gloves to not get in contact between your skin and harmful bacteria.
• Use insect repellent
Properly oversee your children and pets when playing outside or spending time outside in areas with large rodent populations. Use insect repellent.