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Last Updated on October 5, 2026 by Grace Oluchi
Pneumonic plague is recently grabbing the attention of many people. And you might be wondering if pneumonic plague is the same as pneumonia?
They’re not the same thing. Although both can and do affect the lungs, and cause symptoms like coughing, and difficulty breathing, they’re caused by different infections.
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What is pneumonia and pneumonic plague?
Pneumonia is a lung infection, that inflames the air sacs, and can fill them with fluids or pus, which can make it difficult to breathe. It can be caused by different types of germs, including bacteria, and viruses.
On the other hand, pneumonic plague is a form of plague that affects the lungs, and is caused by one bacterium called Yersinia pestis. So, most cases of pneumonic plague is pneumonia, but no pneumonia is plaque.
Common symptoms of pneumonia include
- Tiredness
- Shortness of breath
- Cough
- Chest pain
- Fever and chills
Pneumonia can range from mild to serious, and can creep in over several days or hit suddenly, depending on the cause and health of the person.
Common symptoms of pneumonic plague
- Fever and chills
- Severe weakness
- Cough
- Headache
- Bloody or watery mucus
- Shortness of breath
- And chest pain
The symptoms of pneumonic plague and pneumonia can look alike at first. But pneumonic plague can develop, and become severe very quickly. The symptoms can appear one to four days after exposure. And can even turn life threatening within a day or two.
That’s why, it’s very important to get an early diagnosis, and start treatment fast. The good news is plague can be treated with antibiotics, if the patient starts immediate treatment.
What causes them?
Many things can cause pneumonia such as bacteria like streptococcus pneumoniae, viruses like flu or RSV, and sometimes fungi. But pneumonic plague has just one, the Yersinia pestis.
How they spread
Unlike ordinary pneumonia, which usually spreads through coughs and sneezes, pneumonia plaque can be spread when someone breathes in droplets from an infected person. Or when plaque bacteria from a flea bite, reaches a person’s lungs. Also lab exposure is another factor, but it is rare.
So what is the main difference between pneumonia and pneumonia plague?
The simplest way to remember the key differences are the cause, rarity and speed.
Pneumonia is a common lung infection with millions of cases every year, and can have many different cause.
Pneumonic plague is caused by Yersinia pestis that infects the lungs. It is very rare, and far more dangerous without immediate treatment. The thing about both, is only lab tests can tell them apart.
And though pneumonic plague have very similar symptoms to pneumonia, not every case of pneumonia is pneumonic plague.
Should you be worried?
Pneumonic plague is quite serious, but it is also rare and treatable if it is diagnosed early. You don’t need to assume that every cough, fever or case of pneumonia is related to plague.
If you notice that it’s getting very difficult to breathe, chest pain or a high fever you need to see a doctor fast. Don’t wait till the symptoms get worse. And if you’ve been near someone that you suspect might have plague, sick wild animals in a plague area, or worked with the bacteria in a lab, get medical help immediately.
What you shouldn’t do is try to diagnose yourself if you’ve notice these symptoms at home.
