Bubonic Plague

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Bubonic Plague
BLACK DEATH
A K A
Phil Brackett
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TRANSMISSION
Bubonic Plague is an infectious disease caused by
the bacterium known as Yersinia Pestis. Even
though the transmission of the disease is passed
through the bite of a flea Humans are known as
the hosts of this infectious disease. The fleas
become infected By the feeding on such rodents as
chipmunks, prairie dogs, ground squirrels, and
mice. There are still other unknown mammals that
have not been able to take responsibility for The
transmission of the disease. Plague can also be
transmitted through the inhalation Of infective
respiratory droplets.
Prairie Dog
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SYMPTOMS

• FEVER
• CHILLS
• WEAKNESS
• SORE THROAT
• HEADACH
• NAUSEA
• SWOLLEN LYMPH
• NODES (Buboes)

• Aching joints

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Buboes
In 1347 the native people of Southern
ukraine Began to undergo such symptoms as
headaches and Weakness that resulted in death.
Lymph nodes in the groin And underarm areas
began to swell to the size of Hens egg. These
swellings were referred to as buboes Which
later resulted in the official naming of bubonic
plague.
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HOW THE OCCURRENCE OF PLAGUE HAS EFFECTED THE
U.S.

Reported studies from the World Health
Organization stated 1000 to 3000 cases of the
disease are detected worldwide every year. The
United States on average detects only 15 to 20
cases each year. Bubonic Plague has most
commonly been a concerning factor to poor rural
communities within western areas of the United
States, particularly New Mexico and Arizona.
Only 14 of all plague cases have been found to
be fatal within the U.S.
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In 1346 the second plague pandemic known as
Black Death or the Great Pestilence killed off
more than 13 Million lives in China and 20 to 30
Million lives within Europe, destroying one
third of Europes population.
Rapid Growth Of Plague Throughout The
Middle East
The first massive growth of the plague Pandemic
began in AD 541 in Egypt Where it then began to
make its rapid Growth throughout the world
within The next four years. Concerning
countries infected with the bacterial Disease
were at great risk of population Losses ranging
from 50 to 60 percent.
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DIAGNOSIS
TREATMENT
BLOOD SAMPLES, SPUTUM, OR LYMPH NODES
ASPIRATES ARE SENT TO A LABORATORY FOR TESTING
Patients that have been diagnosed are Treated
with antibiotics and are sent to be
hospitalized and medically Isolated to prevent
any confusion with spreading the airborne
disease. There are no vaccines that have yet
been discovered.
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Bio-Chemical Warefare
The Japanese Army in World war 2 Worked on
developing a special unit of division on
delivering the plague bacteria to civilians
in China. Prior to the beginning of this chemical
ware fare they Tested in a room filled with
prisoners of war with thousands of fleas
Infested with the bacteria. The mortality rate of
these experiments ranged from 50 to 60
percent.
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PREVENTION
PEOPLE WHO DETECT SYMPTOMS MUST RECEIVE
TREATMENT WITHIN THE NEXT 24 HOURS TO DECREASE
RISK OF DEATH

• iNJECTION
• Streptomycin
• Gentamicin

• Oral medications
• TETRACYCLINE
• DOXYCYCLINE

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BIBLIOGRAPHY

• WEBSITES
• www.bt.cdc.gov/agent/plague/faq.asp
• www.cdc.gov.ncidod/dvbid/plague/qa.htm
• www.hopkins-biodefense.org/pages/agentsplague.html