noun
verb
Plague is a serious illness caused by a germ called Yersinia pestis. The germs mostly live in small rodents and their fleas. The most common way for humans to get plague is a flea bite.
Plague is a rare disease. The illness mostly occurs in only a few countries around the world. In the United States, plague affects a few people each year in rural or semirural areas of western states.
Plague usually can be treated with antibiotics. If not trea...
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There are three types of plague. The symptoms vary for each type.
Bubonic plague causes swelling of lymph nodes. These are small, bean-shaped filters in the body's immune system. A swollen lymph node is called a bubo. The word "bubonic" is describing this feature of the disease.
If a person has bubonic plague, buboes appear in the armpits, groin or neck. Buboes are tender or painful. They vary in...
Plague is caused by a bacteria called Yersinia pestis. The bacteria circulate in populations of small animals and their fleas.
In the western United States, these animals include:
Treatment for plague begins as soon as the health care provider suspects the disease. Treatment is typically done in the hospital. Antibiotics that may be used include the following:
No vaccine is available, but scientists are working to develop one. Antibiotics can help prevent infection if you were likely exposed to plague.
People with pneumonic plague are isolated during treatment to prevent the spread of disease. Health care workers must wear protective masks, gowns, gloves and eyewear when they treat someone with pneumonic plague.
If you live or spend time outdoors where plague occurs:...
For informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
© Mayo Clinic
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