Originated from: China
1st case: 1330's
Primary source of Infection: Rats and other wild animals.
This disease is caused by Bacteria called " Yersinia Pestis" transmitted by fleas. Most commonly the Bacteria gets transmitted by the fleas on to the animals such as rodents (rats), rabbits, and squirrels. Wild carnivores can become infected by eating other infected animals. Mostly occurs in rural and semi-rural areas.
Transmitted by :
Rats
Flea bites
Droplets from Infected
Squirrels
Rabbits
Prairie dogs
Chipmunks
This bubonic plague causing bacteria cant survive :
in direct sunlight
in dry conditions.
Is it treatable :
Yes. This Plague is a treatable with the careful use of antibiotics.
Symptoms :
1.Appear after 2-7 days after infection
2. High Fever
3. Headache
4. Muscle pain
5. Seizures
6. Internal bleeding (casues blackish discoloration of the skin)
7.Enlarged and painful Lymph Nodes, ( inflammation of the lymph nodes often called as buboes)
8. Enlarged or inflamed lymph nodes (ArmPit, Neck and Groin).
How Dangerous is this Disease? Mortality Rate :
If Untreated : 50%-90%
If Treated : 15%
14th century: 240 million deaths
20th century in india: 3% population
1896- 14 million people in india died.
Killed 1/5 of world population
Killed 50% Europeans in 4 years
Treatment:
Early treatment is must. Giving antibiotics to the infected within 24 hours helps him/her to recover.
Antibiotics plays a vital role in curing the Bubonic plague. 7 day antibiotic series is the best preventative measure .
Incubation Period for this bacteria :
- 24 hours
8 days to show up symptoms.
-infects the lungs
Does this Disease Spreads by contact ?
No its not Contaminous. Bubonic plague rarely spreads directly from person to person.
Lives upto 60 minutes after being released into the air.
It can be even longer depending on the variable conditions that may exist.
India and Bubonic Plague:
In the year 1896 the 1st case of bubonic plague was detected in Mandvi in south Mumbai by Britisher Dr. Acacio Gabriel Viegas. Mandvi has a high Muslim population. It killed Millions.
Humans and other domestic animals that are bitten by fleas from infected dead animals are at risk for contracting plague. Cats become very ill from plague and infect humans when they cough droplets into the air. Dogs are mostly resistive and are less likely to be ill. but they can still bring plague infected fleas into the home.
