Plague is an acute infectious disease that affects mammals, including humans. It is caused by gram-negative bacilli Yersinia pestis, which are bacteria belonging to the family of Enterobacteria. They enter the human body as a result of being bitten by fleas that previously fed on rats, voles, wild rabbits or squirrels. Infection can also occur through the drip pathway - then you are talking about the pulmonary form of the disease.
The largest plague epidemic occurred in the fourteenth century in Europe (the so-called Black Death), and its symbol was, in particular, the plague doctor, a doctor dealing with people infected with the pandemic, wearing a characteristic bird mask. This outfit was supposed to protect against aerial plague and odor, so the beak was filled with aromas and medicinal substances, including lemon balm, mint, myrrh, rose, juniper and camphor. Today, thanks to medicines and vaccines, the plague is much better controlled and effectively treated.
Plague - types and symptoms.
The most common form of plague is bubonic, with an incubation period ranging from a few hours to 12 days (an average of 2-5 days). It starts with a high fever and chills. The patient is restless, sometimes very sleepy. The lymph nodes, especially the inguinal and axillary ones, are enlarged, they become painful, they can reach a size of up to 10 cm under the arms, and after a few days their (purulent) contents can be emptied through fistulas. Petechiae may appear on the skin. If left untreated, bubonic forms lead to death in 60% of cases.
The primary pulmonary form of plague - the incubation period is 2-3 days, it is the most contagious variety, classified as the most severe disease affecting humans. Respiratory bacteria entering the respiratory tract provoke rapidly increasing inflammatory changes. A dry, tiresome cough appears, at first the patient may cough up mucous secretions, followed by copious sputum production and hemoptysis. The disease is accompanied by severe headaches, high fever, tachycardia, and chills. Pathogenic microorganisms attack the lungs and then spread through the blood and lymph vessels. Respiratory and circulatory disorders occur, and most untreated people die within 48 hours.
Sepsis of the plague has a rapid course, leading to death in 2-3 days. This is most often a complication of bubonic plague. 40% of patients develop severe abdominal pain. Characteristic necrotic lesions, gangrene, and tissues turn black (such signs appeared in descriptions of the plague epidemic in the Middle Ages, hence the name "black death").
In some people, the plague is mild, characterized by a week-long fever, malaise, headache, and swollen lymph nodes.
How is the plague diagnosed?
The plague diagnosis has typical symptoms. In addition, laboratory tests are carried out. The bacteria are isolated from material taken from lymph nodes, sputum or blood, and the presence of Yersinia pestis is determined by genetic testing. Serological tests are also used, that is, indicating (or excluding) the presence of serum-specific antibodies.
Plague treatment.
Plague treatment involves taking antibiotics. The key to the effectiveness of therapy is rapid diagnosis and intravenous administration of a drip drug (for example, gentamicin, tetracycline, streptomycin).
The treatment lasts 2-3 weeks. Early inclusion of an antibiotic reduces plague mortality below 5%.
Isolation of the patient is necessary only in case of pneumonic plague, although in Poland all plague patients must be hospitalized.
Plague prevention.
Plague prevention includes vaccination and preventive antibiotic therapy. Vaccination is carried out before traveling to endemic areas, but it should be remembered that it does not protect against the pulmonary form of the disease. The plague vaccine is not available in Poland. Preventive use of antibiotics is recommended when in contact with a sick person or infectious material.
Plague prevention also includes educational activities, reducing the population of sick rodents, destroying fleas, and using repellents. 1xBet se distingue par une offre complète destinée aux passionnés de paris et de casino en ligne. Le bonus de 100 % jusqu’à 130 € permet de parier plus librement sur le sport. Une fois le compte créé avec le code promo 1xbet gratuit les joueurs peuvent aussi profiter d’un bonus casino progressif de 1 950 € accompagné de 150 tours gratuits pour maximiser le divertissement.
