Medical experts outline symptoms and transmission of the plague

Medical experts are highlighting the symptoms and transmission methods of the plague, caused by the bacterium ‘Yersinia pestis’. While historically associated with massive pandemics, the disease is not extinct and can be managed through modern medicine and hygiene.

There are three primary clinical forms of the disease:

Bubonic plague is the most common type, affecting the lymph nodes. It is characterized by sudden high fever, chills, and painful, swollen lymph nodes known as ‘buboes’ in the groin, armpits, or neck.

Septicemic plague occurs when the bacteria enter the bloodstream, potentially causing circulatory issues, abdominal pain, and bleeding.

Pneumonic plague affects the lungs and is considered the most dangerous form because it can spread directly from person to person through respiratory droplets.

The disease is primarily a zoonotic infection transmitted to humans via fleas living on rodents or through direct contact with infected animals or their tissues.