Information on the Bubonic Plague

Browse eMedTV's wide range of articles related to information on the bubonic plague including topics such as history of plague, treatments for bubonic plague, and bubonic plague transmission. Use the search box at the top-right corner of the page to find information about other health topics.

Description of Articles in Information on the Bubonic Plague

The Yersinia pestis bacteria is responsible for the bubonic plague, which, as this eMedTV page explains, is a disease transmitted by infected fleas. This article offers a detailed look at the disease, including its history, diagnosis, and treatment.

The causes of bubonic plague are Yersinia pestis bacteria, which are often found in rats, but, as this eMedTV article explains, are also found in other animals. This page also discusses how the bacteria is transmitted and symptoms of infection.

Yersinia pestis bacteria can cause plague, which is an acute, infectious disease. This page of the eMedTV Web site offers related statistics and discusses symptoms of infection, transmission methods, treatment options, and preventive measures.

Bubonic plague transmission often occurs through bites from infected fleas or contact with infected tissue. This eMedTV page discusses in detail how the disease is transmitted, as well as Yersinia pestis, the bacteria that causes bubonic plague.

Effects of the bubonic plague can range from diarrhea to enlarged lymph nodes to coma. This segment from the eMedTV Web site describes these and other possible signs of infection and also explains the incubation period for bubonic plague.

How is bubonic plague diagnosed? The doctor generally performs a physical exam and requests a blood sample. This eMedTV Web page explains the process in more detail and lists diseases that have symptoms similar to those of plague.

Common treatments for bubonic plague include antibiotics (such as gentamycin) and supportive care. This eMedTV Web page discusses the importance of treating bubonic plague -- both for patients and those with whom they've had close contact.

If someone becomes infected, early treatment for bubonic plague cures the disease in 85 percent of cases. This eMedTV Web page discusses the three techniques for plague prevention and offers statistics on cure rates.

For years, the history of plague has had a massive effect on civilization. The information presented in this eMedTV Web page discusses references to plague in art and literature, and the findings of plague research that took place during the 1890s.