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Definition
Plague is a bacterial infection that can be deadly. The disease occurs naturally after a bite by an infected flea or from handling or eating an infected animal. Governments have studied the bacteria's use as a germ-warfare weapon. As a weapon, it would be released in the air. There are several types of plague, depending on where the exposure and symptoms occur:
- Pneumonic (in the lungs)from breathing in droplets or as a progression of another type
- Bubonic plague (in the lymph nodes)occurring after a rodent-flea bite
- Septicemic plague (a body system-wide infection)occurring after a rodent-flea bite
- Pharyngeal plague (in the throat and nearby lymph nodes)due to ingesting infected tissue or inhaling large droplets
Causes
Yersinia pestis causes the infection. It is spread by droplets in the air. People can catch pneumonic plague from face-to-face contact with someone who has the disease. Bubonic and septicemic plague, without respiratory complications, are not spread from person-to-person.
Risk Factors
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.Risk factors for plague include:
- Exposure to the bacteria
- Biological terrorism
- Contact with rodents
- Rodents in the environment
Symptoms
Symptoms depend on the type of plague. They occur in naturally-acquired cases within two to eight days. Plague can progress within a few days and cause sepsis , meningitis, or death. Experts expect the first symptoms after a biological attack would appear within a couple of days. People would be expected to die soon after the first symptoms occurred.
Bacterial Meningitis 2008 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc. Symptoms of pneumonic plague include: FeverChillsWeaknessHeadacheCough, with bloody or watery secretionsDifficulty breathingChest pain Possible nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea Symptoms of bubonic plague: FeverChillsWeaknessHeadacheSwollen, tender lymph nodesSkin may appear red and tight over affected lymph nodesRaised bumps or sores at site of flea biteRestlessnessLack of energyPossible agitation, confusionPossible nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea Symptom of pharyngeal plague: Swollen lymph nodes Symptoms of septicemic plague and progression of other forms: Bleeding under the skinBlack fingers, toes, or noseAbnormal clottingDifficulty breathingShockOrgan failureDeath DiagnosisThe doctor will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and possible source of exposure, and perform a physical exam. Other cases in the area may alert healthcare workers of the possibility of a bioterrorism attack. Test may include: Chest x-rayBlood tests to look for indications of an infectionBlood test to detect antibodies to plague bacteriaExamining body fluids using special techniquesCulture of body fluids to check for bacteria TreatmentStarting antibiotics early is essential. Any delay greatly increases the risk of death. The drugs are injected in a muscle or given through a vein. Later in treatment, some drugs can be given by mouth. A patient with lung symptoms will be placed in isolation to protect others. Caregivers and visitors should wear a mask, gloves, goggles, and a gown. Lymph nodes may require draining. Cases are reported to public health officials.
Medications Any of the following antibiotics may be used: Streptomycin (may be combined with a tetracycline) GentamicinTetracycline or doxycyclineChloramphenicolCiprofloxacin Supportive Care for Septicemic PlagueHealth professionals will monitor the patient for changes in status and take appropriate action. Maintaining adequate heart function, blood pressure, and oxygen supply are of prime importance. PreventionAntibiotics may prevent infection following close contact with someone who has the disease. The drugs should be taken daily while in contact, and for seven days after the last exposure. In addition, the caregiver and patient should wear masks.Antibiotics may be ordered in the event of a terrorism exposure. People may be placed on the drugs after developing a cough. There would be no warning systems to alert authorities that plague bacteria had been released. The success of an attack would depend on the bacteria's quality and strain, the way it was produced, and weather conditions at the time of release. A vaccine does not exist for pneumonic plague. Measures to prevent naturally-occurring plague include: Do not touch dead rodents or sick cats.Use insecticides around the house.Eliminate rat habitats near the house.Do not allow dogs or cats to roam in areas where plague is common. RESOURCES:
Centers for Disease Control and Preventionhttp://www.cdc.gov Johns Hopkins' Office of Critical Event Preparedness and Response (CEPAR)http://www.hopkins-cepar.org CANADIAN RESOURCES: Communicable Disease Control Unit (Manitoba Health, Public Health Branch)http://www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/cdc/index.html Health Canadahttp://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index_e.html References: AAP 2000 Red Book: Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases . 25th ed. American Academy of Pediatrics; 2000. Cecil Textbook of Medicine . 21st ed. WB Saunders Company; 2000. Conn's Current Therapy 2001 . 53rd ed. WB Saunders Company; 2001. Consensus statement, plague as a biological weapon: Medical and public health management. JAMA. 2000. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases . 5th ed. Churchill Livingstone, Inc; 2000. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases . 6th ed. Churchill Livingstone, Inc; 2005. Last reviewed October 2007 by David Horn, MD, FACPPlease be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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