Plague

Plague Discharge Instructions

Plague is an infection caused by a germ. There are different kinds of plague. Bubonic plague − This type of plague is the most common. Your lymph nodes become swollen and tender. This is because the germs infect your lymph system. These swollen areas are called buboes. You also will have fever, chills, and weakness. Septicemic plague − Your lymph nodes are not affected. You will have fever, chills, and weakness. There is also bleeding under the skin and belly pain. Your blood pressure drops and shock happens. Pneumonic plague − This is the most serious type of plague. The germs infect your lungs and cause pneumonia. You can get this type by being in close contact with and breathing in the germs from an infected animal or person. You will have trouble breathing, a cough with bloody or watery mucus, and chest pain. You will also have fever, weakness, and headaches. The plague germ is spread to humans by fleas. The fleas bite an infected rodent, such as rats or prairie dogs. Then, they transfer the germ to us when they bite our skin. It is rarely spread from one person to another. It may be spread if clothing from a person with plague touches an open area in the skin of another person. Plague is treated with strong antibiotics, IV fluids, and oxygen. You may also need other treatments to support your body while you are sick.

Help with pain and swelling,Fight an infection,Lower fever

Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher; chills; swollen lymph nodes in your neck, under your arms, or in your groin.,Trouble breathing,Cough with bloody or watery mucus,Very bad weakness

Infectious Disease

Yersinia pestis Infections,Black Death,Black Plague,Bubonic Plague,La Peste,Pestilential Fever,Pneumonic Plague,Septicemic Plague

This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care provider’s advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you.

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