Bubonic plague: symptoms, causes and treatment

Definition of bubonic plague

Bubonic plague, or what is also known by the term plague , pasteurella pestis, or pestilence, is a serious bacterial infection that is generally transmitted by tick bites.

The bacteria that cause bubonic plague, Yersinia pestis , generally found in small mammals, such as mice, and fleas that are on their bodies.

Humans can contract this disease through the bite of infected fleas, direct contact with fluids contaminated with bacteria, and breathing air that is contaminated with bacteria.

Plague is a very serious condition and causes severe symptoms in sufferers, especially in bubonic plague septicemic . Its development is relatively fast and can cause death if left untreated.

How common is this disease?

Bubonic plague is a condition that was endemic in the Middle Ages. This event is known as Black Death and causes more than 75-200 million of the world's population died.

Fortunately, thanks to technological advances in the health sector, the current bubonic plague cases have experienced a significant decline. The current incidence of bubonic plague is about 5,000 patients per year worldwide.

Most cases of bubonic plague occur in developing countries, such as in Africa and Asia. In addition, this disease is more common in patients under 20 years of age.

Types of bubonic plague

Bubonic plague is a condition that can be divided into three types, viz bubonic , pneumonic , and septicemic . The division of this type is based on the mode of transmission and the part of the body affected. Here's the explanation.

1. Bubonic plague

The most common type of bubonic plague is bubonic plague . This condition usually occurs when you are bitten by fleas or mice that are infected with bacteria Y. pestis .

In very rare cases, you may also get the disease from other sufferers. Bubonic plague attacks the lymphatic system, which is one part of the immune system. This causes inflammation of the lymph nodes.

Left untreated, this type of bubonic plague can pass to the blood (cause septicemic plague) or lungs (resulting in pneumonic plague).

2. Pneumonic plague

When bubonic plague spreads or enters the lungs for the first time, the condition is known as disease pneumonic plague. Bacterial transmission usually occurs when a person breathes in airborne particles that have been contaminated with bacteria.

Pneumonic plague is the only type of bubonic plague that can be transmitted between people. However, this condition can usually occur after previously experiencing type bubonic plague bubonic or pneumonic .

3. Septicemic plague

When bacteria enter the bloodstream and multiply, this condition is called septicemic plague . People who experience this type of bubonic plague will experience changes in the color of the skin on the fingers, toes and nose.

Just like type bubonic , pes type septicemic can also occur as a result of the bite of infected mice or fleas.

Symptoms of bubonic plague

The signs and symptoms displayed in each bubonic patient generally vary, depending on the severity and type.

The following is an explanation of the symptoms of bubonic plague based on its type.

1. Bubonic plague

On the case bubonic The symptoms will appear 2-5 days after you are infected with the bacteria. The following symptoms may appear:

• Fever and chills
• Not feeling well
• Headache
• Muscle ache
• Seizures
• Swollen lymph nodes which are usually found in the groin. However, it can also occur on the armpits or neck, most commonly in the infected area
• Pain can appear before the swelling

2. Pneumonic plague

Symptoms in the type bubonic plague pneumonic will appear 1-4 days after exposure to bacteria. Patients will show the following signs and symptoms:

• Bad cough
• Difficulty breathing and chest pain when breathing deeply
• Fever
• Phlegm that is foamy and bloody

3. Septicemic plague

This type of bubonic plague is the most dangerous. In fact, this condition can cause death before symptoms appear. These are the symptoms that may appear:

• Stomach ache
• Bleeding due to blood clotting problems
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Nausea
• Gag

If the patient is not treated with proper antibiotics, the bacteria can spread to other parts of the body.

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

Causes of bubonic plague

As previously explained, the cause of bubonic plague is a bacterial infection called Yersinia pestis . These bacteria are commonly found in rodents, as well as the fleas in them.

The rodents most commonly infected with this disease are rats, squirrels, rabbits and dogs. This disease is usually transmitted to humans through flea bites from these animals.

The only type of bubonic plague that can be transmitted from one person to another is pneumonic plague . Transmission occurs when a person breathes and inhales airborne particles from an infected person. However, cases of transmission between humans are very rare.

The pet cat in your household is also at risk of becoming infected with bacteria Y. pestis , and you can possibly catch the type bubonic plague pneumonic of a pet cat. In addition, pet dogs can also become infected and transmit these bacteria to humans.

Risk factors

Plague is a disease that can occur in almost anyone, regardless of age group and racial group. However, there are several factors that can increase a person's risk for suffering from this disease.

Pes is a disease caused by bacteria. There are several factors that put you at increased risk of getting infected with bacteria Yersinia pestis , the causes of bubonic plague, namely:

1. Age

Despite a bacterial infection Y. pestis can occur in almost everyone, this disease is more common in patients aged 20 years and under.

2. Residence

Most cases of bubonic plague are found in developing countries in Asia and Africa. This is supported by the fact that these countries do not yet have good sanitation systems.

In addition, the population in developing countries tends to be too large, making it difficult to maintain a clean environment. The population of rodents such as rats can also increase.

3. Work

Veterinarians, their assistants, and zookeepers have a high risk of contracting this disease. This is because they often interact directly with animals.

In addition, people who often work outdoors also have a high risk of getting bacterial infections, especially if they work in a dirty environment.

4. Hobbies

If you have a hobby of activities in the open, such as camping , rock climbing, or hiking , your chances of becoming infected through a tick bite are much greater.

In addition, if you have a hobby of raising animals that are susceptible to fleas and you don't treat the condition, your risk of becoming infected will be higher.

Complications of bubonic plague

If this disease is not treated immediately, it is possible that the sufferer will experience several health problems and complications that are potentially life threatening, such as:

1. Death

Most cases of this disease end in death. However, as science and technology develop, patients have a greater chance of surviving certain medications.

2. Gangrene

Blood clots on the inside of the veins of your toes and hands can interfere with blood flow and cause tissue to die. This condition is called gangrene. This condition may require that the medical team take certain actions, such as amputation.

3. Meningitis

In rare cases, this disease can cause inflammation of the membranes lining the brain and spinal cord. This condition is called meningitis.

Diagnosis

If you feel the signs and symptoms of bubonic plague, you may be rushed to the emergency room immediately. If you experience symptoms of respiratory problems, you are required to wear a mask to prevent transmission to other people.

To determine whether you really have bubonic plague or not, your doctor will ask you about your medical and travel history. In addition, the doctor may also ask about your recent contact with the animal.

In diagnosing, your doctor will perform a series of tests to find out if there are bacteria in your body. Here are some of the tests that are usually done to diagnose bubonic plague:

• Blood test: The doctor will take a small sample of your blood to be tested in the laboratory.
• Lymph node test: The fluid from the lymph nodes will be taken and examined by a medical team.
• Sputum Culture Test: With a bronchoscopy, your doctor will draw fluid from your respiratory tract.

Treatment of bubonic plague

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

Bubonic plague is a deadly disease that requires immediate medical attention. If the disease is detected quickly and treated appropriately, the patient's chances of recovery are even greater.

Without proper treatment, bubonic plague can multiply and spread to blood vessels (septicemic plague) or lungs (pneumonic plague). In severe cases, patients can die within 24 hours of symptoms first appearing.

Here are some of the treatments given for bubonic plague:

1. Medicines

Treatment generally focuses on taking antibiotics. Quoted from the Mayo Clinic, the following antibiotics are included in the treatment of bubonic plague.

• Gentamicin
• Doxycycline
• Ciprofloxacin
• Levofloxacin
• Moxifloxacin
• Chloramphenicol

2. Isolation room

In the treatment of disease patients plague As much as possible, patients should be placed in a separate room from other people, given the easy transmission.

People who have close contact with the patient pneumonic plague can also be examined and placed in isolation. Antibiotic therapy as a preventive measure may also be given by a doctor or health worker.

Prevention of bubonic plague

Here are lifestyle and home remedies that can help you prevent bubonic plague:

• Keeping the house free from rodents
  You can carry out routine checks, seal any holes in the house, and install poison or rat traps.
• Using gloves
  This is because your hands are much more susceptible to bacterial infections and animal bites.
• Use a flea repellent
  Use a flea repellent if you have to do outdoor activities, such as activities camping , hiking , or working outdoors.
• Limit physical contact with wild animals
  As much as possible, avoid physical contact with wild animals, especially rodents.
• Keep your pet clean
  Remove fleas from pets by using flea repellant products. If your pet is sick, see a vet immediately.