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RUSSIA PLAGUE ALERT: BUBONIC VS PNEUMONIC — WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
A dangerous disease with two very different forms is putting public-health experts on alert
Reports surrounding plague in Russia have raised concerns about one of history’s most feared infectious diseases. But what exactly is the difference between bubonic plague and pneumonic plague, and why is the pneumonic form considered particularly dangerous?
Plague is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. Although often associated with medieval history, plague has not disappeared. Cases can still occur, particularly where the bacteria circulate naturally among wild rodents and fleas.
BUBONIC PLAGUE — THE CLASSIC FORM
Bubonic plague is the most common form of plague.
It is normally transmitted through the bite of an infected flea. The bacteria enter the body and travel to nearby lymph nodes, which can become extremely swollen and painful. These swollen lymph nodes are known as buboes.
Symptoms can include:
* Sudden fever and chills
* Headache
* Weakness
* Muscle aches
* Painful swollen lymph nodes
* Severe illness if treatment is delayed
Bubonic plague does not normally spread directly from person to person. However, without rapid treatment, the infection can enter the bloodstream and develop into more severe forms of plague.
PNEUMONIC PLAGUE — THE MORE DANGEROUS FORM FOR TRANSMISSION
Pneumonic plague affects the lungs and is considered the most serious form of plague.
It can develop when plague bacteria spread to the lungs, including as a complication of another form of plague. It can also be acquired by inhaling infectious respiratory droplets from a person or animal with pneumonic plague.
Symptoms can include:
* Fever
* Weakness
* Chest pain
* Shortness of breath
* Cough
* Sometimes bloody or watery sputum
Unlike bubonic plague, pneumonic plague can spread between people through respiratory droplets, making rapid diagnosis, isolation and treatment particularly important.
WHY THE DIFFERENCE MATTERS
The word “plague” does not automatically mean a new Black Death-style pandemic is occurring.
Modern medicine has effective antibiotics for plague when treatment is started promptly. The greatest danger comes when the disease is not recognised and treated quickly.
Public-health authorities also monitor suspected cases carefully because pneumonic plague has the potential for person-to-person transmission.
FROM MEDIEVAL FEAR TO MODERN MEDICINE
The medieval Black Death was caused by Yersinia pestis and killed millions of people across Europe, Asia and North Africa.
Today, however, healthcare systems have antibiotics, laboratory testing, infection-control procedures and surveillance systems that were unimaginable centuries ago.
That does not make plague harmless — but it means that a reported case or outbreak should not automatically be interpreted as a repeat of the medieval Black Death.
222 NEWS — THE KEY MESSAGE
The important distinction is simple:
BUBONIC = mainly associated with infected fleas and swollen lymph nodes.
PNEUMONIC = infection of the lungs and the form capable of spreading through respiratory droplets.
Any confirmed outbreak should therefore be taken seriously, but the public should rely on verified information from Russian health authorities and international public-health organisations rather than social-media claims or exaggerated reports.
HEALTH WARNING
Anyone who believes they may have been exposed to plague and develops a sudden fever, severe weakness, swollen lymph nodes or respiratory symptoms should seek urgent medical attention. Plague is a medical emergency, but early antibiotic treatment can be highly effective.
Attached is a news article regarding the Russian plague outbrake
https://news.sky.com/video/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-russian-plague-outbreak-13595455
Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley
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