The term ‘plague’ is a broad term used to refer to an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. The bacteria primarily affects rodents but can also be transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected flea or through direct contact with an infected animal or human.
The most common types of plague are bubonic, septicaemic, and pneumonic.
The plague, also known as the Black Death, was one of the deadliest pandemics in human history. The disease is estimated to have killed between 75 million to 200 million people in Eurasia during the 14th century. The pandemic is thought to have originated in the Gobi Desert in Mongolia and was spread along the Silk Road trade route to Europe.
People were first afflicted by the plague in 1347 when it reached the port of Messina in Sicily. From there, it spread quickly across Europe, killing an estimated 30-50% of the population in some areas.
The symptoms of the plague included fever, chills, vomiting, and the appearance of painful buboes (swollen lymph nodes) in the armpits, groin, and neck.
Despite its devastating impact, the plague eventually subsided as more people built immunity, and subsequent outbreaks were generally less severe. However, the plague has continued to periodically re-emerge in various parts of the world.
Today, the plague can be treated with medications, but it remains a serious public health concern in some regions, particularly in parts of Africa and Asia.
The treatment of the plague depends on the type of plague and the severity of the infection. As mentioned, there are three main types of plague: bubonic, septicaemic, and pneumonic.
Bubonic plague is treated with antibiotics, such as streptomycin, gentamicin, or doxycycline. Early treatment is best and most effective when started within 24 hours of the first symptoms.
Septicaemic plague and pneumonic plague are more serious forms of the disease and require prompt and aggressive treatment.
Prompt treatment is crucial because the plague can quickly become serious and fatal. Isolation is needed to also prevent exposure to others.
Streptomycin, gentamicin, chloramphenicol, and ciprofloxacin are all antibiotics used to treat the plague. However, they may have side effects, some of which can be serious. The potential side effects include dizziness, anaemia, loss of hearing, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), nausea, vomiting, rash, itching, kidney damage, muscle weakness, bone marrow suppression, tendonitis, and headache.
The use of respiratory therapy such as mechanical ventilation is often the only option to maintain life. However, it is not without risks and side effects such as lung damage, infection, changes in blood pressure and heart function, confusion, and muscle weakness.
Blood transfusions are generally considered safe but some patients may have an allergic reaction and there is the danger of infection.
In many parts of the world, the plague remains a highly contagious disease that requires prompt care. Luckily, modern medication administered early can effectively treat the disease and the patient can recover.