Affiliate Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you buy through one of them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely believe in. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions or starting any new treatment.
There have been recent suspected reports of pneumonic plague case in Siberia, which is yet to be confirmed by the Russian authorities. But it is causing a bit of a worry for many people, as the word plague might sound like something from a history book or some medieval time. And now it is being brought back to the public’s attention.
But what does pneumonic plague even mean? How does it spread, and what symptoms usually occur?
Pneumonic plague
It is a serious form of plague that affects a person’s lungs. It is caused by a bacterium named Yersinia pestis, the same germ behind the well known Black Death. The good news is that we know exactly what it is, and how to stop it.
What causes Pneumonic plague?
Pneumonic plague is quite different from pneumonia, as ordinary pneumonia can occur due to bacteria and viruses, but plague has one specific cause. A bacterium, which usually lives in rodents, and their fleas, and people can easily get infected from a flea bite or being in contact with an infected animal. It can develop when the plague bacteria spreads to a person’s lungs or when someone inhales infectious respiratory particles from infected person or animal.
Lab exposure is also a factor but it is very rare, and it’s the main concern of the Siberia reports.
What are the symptoms of Pneumonic Plague ?
The symptoms can start like a rough flu which can cause things like a headache, sudden fever, chills and weakness. Then it goes to the lungs, and a really bad cough occurs, including chest pain, shortness of breath, and sometimes bloody or watery mucus. Other symptoms like nausea and vomiting might also be a part of the list.
However, it can be a bit tricky to know for sure if it’s plague, because these symptoms are similar to other respiratory infections. So they may not necessarily confirm that it’s plague on their own. Which is why it’s best to have a doctor run some necessary tests to determine what the real issue is.
How does it spread?
It can spread when someone inhales the infectious particles from an infected person’s cough. That’s what makes it different from other forms.
However, there’s something that you need to know, it takes very close, and sustained contact, not when you just pass by someone who coughed in the hallway.
Plague bacteria can also reach the lungs after a person develops another form of plague. Other forms of the disease tend to be linked to bites from infected fleas, or being in contact with infected animals.
So, pneumonic plague is not just another name for pneumonia, and not every person who has a cough or lung infection has plague.
Can it be treated?
Yes it can be treated so you don’t have to be scared. But, it does become life-threatening very quickly, so it’s very important to get medical attention fast. Antibiotics can treat the infection when it is given promptly, because timing matters a lot. It is best that treatment starts within about 24 hours if a person has been exposed to plague, and develops a fever, cough, chest pain or difficulty breathing. So they can get the best chance of recovery. Because delaying treatment increases the risk of becoming severely ill or dying.
Can pneumonic plague be prevented?
The most common risk depends on whether you’re exposed to the bacteria. The way to keep yourself safe is by avoiding contact with sick or dead wild animals, protecting yourself from flea bites in places that plague occurs, and staying away from someone who is suspected of having pneumonic plague. At least till the right medical guidance is given.
And for people who may have been exposed please don’t wait, get medical attention fast, because preventive antibiotics may be needed in certain cases.
The bottom line
Plague is rare true, and even sounds like ancient history, but it is also a very serious infection that affects the lungs and can spread between people through infectious respiratory particles. What makes it very dangerous is its speed, but the good news is that effective treatment is available, especially when it is started early.
Although you might have come across many frightening headlines, the important thing is:
- understanding how it spreads
- recognizing the symptoms
- and getting immediate medical care when you suspect exposure
