What is a Bubonic Plague?

About Bubonic Plague

• Plague is an infectious disease caused by a specific type of bacterium called Yersinia pestis.
• Y. pestis can affect humans and animals and is spread mainly by fleas.
• Bubonic plague, also known as Black Death, is one type of plague. It gets its name from the swollen lymph nodes (buboes) caused by the disease.
• The other types of plague are:
  • Septicemic plague, which happens when the infection goes all through the body.
  • Pneumonic plague, which happens when the lungs are infected.
• Symptoms: Bubonic plague symptoms include
  • Sudden high fever and chills.
  • Pains in the areas of the abdomen, arms and legs.
  • Headaches.
  • Large and swollen lumps in the lymph nodes (buboes) that develop and leak pus.
• Transmission:
  • Y. pestis is spread mostly by fleas on rodents and other animals. 
  • It is transmitted between animals and humans by the bite of infected fleas, direct contact with infected tissues, and inhalation of infected respiratory droplets.
  • It’s an example of a disease that can spread between animals and people (a zoonotic disease).
• Treatment:
  • It can be treated and cured with antibiotics.
  • Antibiotics that treat bubonic plague include Ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, Gentamicin and Doxycycline.
  • It can be fatal if it’s not treated.

Q1) What are Lymph nodes?

Lymph nodes, also known as lymph glands, are small, bean-shaped structures located throughout the body as part of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a complex network of vessels, nodes, and organs that plays a crucial role in maintaining fluid balance, filtering out harmful substances, and supporting the immune system’s functions.

Source: China’s inner Mongolia records two cases of bubonic plague: What it is

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