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Causes of Bubonic Plague
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Bubonic plague is the most common form of plague. The causes of bubonic plague are bacteria called Yersinia pestis. This bacteria also causes the other two forms of plague: septicemic plague and pneumonic plague (see Types of Plague).
Yersinia pestis bacteria are usually only found in certain parts of the world, such as Africa, Asia, and South America. Approximately 1,000 to 3,000 cases of bubonic plague are reported each year. Between 10 to 20 of these cases are in the United States, most commonly in rural areas of the Southwest.
Yersinia pestis is most commonly found in rats, but can also occur in other animals. Other animals known to carry Yersinia pestis can include:
(Click Bubonic Plague Pictures for examples of animals that cause bubonic plague.)
The bacteria that are the causes of bubonic plague are typically transmitted through the bite of an infected flea or rodent. In rare cases, Yersinia pestis bacteria on a piece of contaminated clothing or other material used by an infected person can enter through an opening in your skin. Bubonic plague is rarely spread from person to person.
Once inside the body, Yersinia pestis travel to the lymph nodes and begin to multiply. (The lymph or lymphatic system is a major component of your body's immune system. The organs within the lymphatic system are the tonsils, adenoids, spleen, and thymus.)
Within two to six days of exposure, bubonic plague symptoms will develop, such as:
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