Plague is a very serious illness that, over the course of thousands of years, has killed hundreds of millions of people. In more extreme cases, such as during the Black Death of the 14th century or the Third Plague of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a single endemic resulted in the loss of whole populations. The Black Death alone was responsible for the decimation of half of Europe over just a five-year span.
To say that the plague is terrifying is an understatement. That said, modern medicine has made it so plague — whether bubonic, pneumonic or septicaemic — does not have to be fatal. With swift and proper treatment, you can recover from the plague and avoid the serious health complications it can cause.
Plague is caused by the bacterium, Yersinia pestis, which typically resides in fleas that live on rodents. Humans can get the plague by being bitten by an infected flea or by handling an animal that is infected with the disease. In cases of pneumonic plague — or the plague that affects the lungs — humans can pass the plague from one person to another through bodily fluids.
Because plague is caused by a bacterium, it can be treated with antibiotics (unlike viral illnesses). Types of antibiotics your doctor may prescribe if he or she suspects you have the plague are as follows:
Because of the urgency of the medical condition, doctors are unlikely to send you home with a several day prescription. Rather, the most standard means of delivering antibiotics for plague patients is through an IV drip in a hospital setting. While you receive treatment, your medical team can monitor you for signs of improvement or worsening of the condition and/or associated health complications.
The plague moves quickly, going from bad to worse in a matter of hours. Pneumonic plague in particular is fast moving, with the onset of symptoms occurring within hours of exposure. In cases of pneumonic plague, treatment must begin on day one of the presence of symptoms, otherwise the rapid failure of the lungs, shock and eventual death are inevitable.
In cases of bubonic and septicaemic plague, swift treatment is also necessary. Though neither disease moves as quickly as pneumonic plague, both can become life threatening within a matter of days. If you experience any symptoms of plague, and if you live in regions that have had cases of plague, seek emergency medical attention right away.
Because plague symptoms mimic those of other, less serious illnesses, your doctor will likely ask several questions to narrow down possible conditions. To help your doctor make the most accurate diagnosis, be prepared to answer key questions, such as the following:
Your answers may be able to help your doctor come to a quicker diagnosis, which could mean a better prognosis.
Though it has a reputation for wiping out entire populations, the plague is treatable today. However, for treatment to be most effective, it must begin as soon after the onset of symptoms as possible. Delays in treatment could mean an adverse, if not deadly, outcome.