Lung Plague: Know Its Causes And Symptoms

Pulmonary plague is  one of the modalities of the disease known generically as plague. It is a serious disease that has caused several epidemics throughout history, causing high mortality. Nowadays it is completely treatable.

The most serious plague epidemic ever known took place in Europe in the 14th century. It became known as  the Black Death  and resulted in the death of around 50 million people.

Pulmonary plague is a serious disease. If not treated, it has a mortality rate that can reach 100% in some cases. It is also particularly contagious and has a strong potential to trigger epidemics.

The plague

Plague is an  infectious disease that affects animals,  although it is uncommon among them, and humans. It is caused by the bacteria  Yersinia pestis,  which is mainly present in rodents and their fleas.

There are currently several outbreaks of the disease in different parts of the world. The most common form of transmission between animals and humans is the bite of infected fleas. Also by direct or indirect contact. There are three basic types of plague:

• Bubonic Plague: This  is the most typical form. It corresponds to cases in which the bacteria is introduced into the body through the bite of a flea, or through a cut or wound in the skin. It affects the lymphatic system.
• Septicemic Plague:  When bubonic plague is untreated and bacteria accumulate in the blood stream, producing septic shock. That’s when it’s called septicemic plague.

• Pulmonary or pneumonic plague:  happens when bacteria lodge in the lungs. It is the most virulent form of the plague. If not treated quickly, it can lead to death.

Pulmonary plague or pneumonic plague

Pulmonary plague  is the least frequent form of plague,  but also the most dangerous. This type of plague develops in three days. To reduce the chances of death, it must be treated within the first 24 hours.

In summary, there are three ways in which pulmonary plague is transmitted. The first and most common is person-to-person contagion through the air. It occurs when someone inhales aerosolized bacteria emitted by an infected person.

It is also possible to inhale the bacteria that have been suspended in tiny droplets formed by the respiratory system of an infected person. Contagion only occurs if there is close and continuous contact with the sick person or animal.

Still, pulmonary plague happens when someone suffers from bubonic plague or septicemic plague and doesn’t receive proper treatment. In this case, the bacteria can migrate and lodge in the lungs.

Symptoms of Lung Plague

The incubation period for the disease can last between 1 to 7 days. Soon after this lapse, the infected person manifests the first symptoms, which are the same as those of an acute febrile illness.

In addition, nonspecific symptoms appear such as headache, fever that appears suddenly, chills, weakness, nausea, vomiting and generalized pain. Therefore, it is recommended that the person be seen within 24 hours of the onset of the first symptoms.

In addition, to confirm the presence of pulmonary plague, laboratory tests are required. The recommended method is to collect a sputum sample to analyze and verify the presence of Y. pestis bacteria  . It can also be verified by serological examination.

Other data of interest

Almost everyone who gets septicemic plague or lung plague ends up dying. In fact,  early and adequate treatment only reduces the mortality rate by about 50%.  Hence the importance of surveillance and prevention.

Certainly, the main measure to avoid it is the control of rats. Therefore, try not to come into contact with these animals, nor with their corpses. Furthermore, if any person is infected, isolation and prevention measures should be applied.