Plague Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Definition
Plague is a type of bacterial infection caused by the Yersinia pestis organism. This organism lives on small rodents and is common in rural areas in Africa, Asia, and the United States. This organism can be transmitted to humans who are bitten by a tick that has previously alighted on the rodent.
One of the characteristics of someone who has this condition is swelling and pain in the lymph nodes, which are known as buboes, in the groin, armpits, or neck. The rarest and deadliest types of bubonic plague are those that affect the lungs and can spread from individual to individual.
Symptoms
Plague can be divided into three main types, namely bubonic, septicemic, and pneumonic, depending on the part of the body involved. The signs and symptoms that occur depend on the type of plague that occurs.
The bubonic plague is the most common type, named for the bubo, or swollen lymph nodes, and generally shows symptoms about a week after being bitten by an infected tick. Buboes may be coiled in the groin, armpits, or neck, about the size of a hen’s egg, and be painful or warm to the touch.
Other signs and symptoms that can occur in the bubonic type of plague are:
- Sudden onset of fever and chills
- Headache
- Feeling tired
- Muscle ache
The pneumonic type of plague affects the lungs. This is the least common type of plague, but the most dangerous, because it can be spread from individual to individual by droplets from the respiratory tract.
Signs and symptoms may appear from several hours after infection and can include:
- Cough, with sputum accompanied by blood
- Difficulty breathing
- Nausea and vomiting
- High fever
- Headache
- Feeling weak
The pneumonic type of bubonic plague can progress rapidly and cause respiratory failure within days of infection. If treatment is not immediately given when signs and symptoms appear, the infection can be fatal.
Reason
Plague is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, which can be transmitted to humans when bitten by a tick that has previously sat on an infected animal, such as:
- Mouse
- Squirrel
- Rabbit
- squirrel
The bacteria can also enter the body if a person has an open wound on the skin that has been exposed to the blood of an infected animal. The pneumonic type of plague, which involves the lungs, can be transmitted when a person inhales infectious droplets that come out of the respiratory tract of an animal or person who has this disease.
The risk of someone contracting the bubonic plague is quite low. However, this risk can increase depending on several factors, such as where you live (rural areas with high population numbers, poor hygiene, and high rodent populations), occupation (vet and veterinary assistants), and hobbies (hunting or hunting). climbing mountains in areas with a high incidence of bubonic plague).
Diagnosis
If the doctor suspects that a person has the plague, an examination can be carried out to see the presence of Yersinia pestis bacteria in samples taken from:
-
Bubo
If a person has swollen lymph nodes (bubo), which is quite typical for bubonic plague.
-
Blood
Yersinia pestis bacteria are generally found in the bloodstream of individuals who experience the septicemic type of plague.
-
Paru-paru
To check for the presence of the pneumonic type of bubonic plague, the doctor may collect phlegm or fluid from the airway through an endoscope, which uses a thin, flexible tube that is inserted into the airway through the mouth or nose.
Treatment
Treatment of bubonic plague requires hospitalization. The doctor will prescribe antibiotics to kill bacteria, as well as other medicines according to the signs and symptoms experienced by the sufferer.
Prevention
Although there is no vaccine for bubonic plague yet, various studies are being carried out to find a vaccine to prevent contracting this disease. Some things that can be done if someone lives in or visits an area with a high incidence of plague are:
- Protect the residence from rodents. Remove objects that could become a residential area for rodents, such as piles of rocks, straw, wood or trash.
Do not leave food in areas easily accessible to rodents.
- Make sure the pet is free of fleas. Consult your veterinarian about the most effective flea product for your pet.
- Use gloves when in contact with animals that may be infected. This can prevent contact between the skin and harmful bacteria.