An individual in rural Oregon last week was diagnosed with bubonic plague, a disease that ravaged Europe in medieval times. Health officials promptly treated the affected person and assured the community that there is little risk of the disease spreading. While cases of bubonic plague are rare in the modern day, it is still reported a few times each year. However, advancements in medical treatment have significantly improved the outcomes for those afflicted.
Bubonic plague, caused by the Yersinia pestis bacteria, is an infectious disease that can affect mammals. It is primarily transmitted through flea bites infected with the bacteria or through close contact with animals or humans suffering from pneumonic plague, the most severe form of the disease. The disease can also be contracted through direct contact with infected tissues or fluids while handling an infected animal.
The symptoms of bubonic plague include fever, headache, weakness, and painful, swollen lymph nodes – usually due to the bite of an infected flea. If left untreated, the disease can progress to septicemic plague, causing fever, weakness, abdominal pain, shock, and potentially fatal complications. The most serious form, pneumonic plague, occurs when the bacteria enters the lungs and can be spread from person to person through infectious droplets.
In the United States, an average of seven human plague cases are reported each year, with about 80% of them being the bubonic form of the disease. Most cases are found in rural western and southwestern regions. However, worldwide, most plague cases in recent decades have occurred in people living in rural areas in Africa, particularly in Madagascar and the Congo.
To reduce the risk of bubonic plague, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend making homes and outdoor living areas less inviting for rodents, as they can carry the disease. Additionally, using repellent with DEET can help protect against rodent fleas when camping or working outdoors. It is also crucial for pet owners to ensure the proper care and health of their pets to prevent the spread of the disease.
While bubonic plague has a historical association with the Middle Ages, medical advancements have made it a treatable disease with a high chance of recovery when patients receive early treatment. The implementation of effective antibiotics and supportive therapies has significantly improved outcomes for those afflicted with bubonic plague, even for the most dangerous pneumonic form of the disease.