Plague is a serious and fatal bacterial infection which is caused by the bacteria Yersinia Pestis.

There are three forms of plague namely Bubonic plague, Septicemic plague, and Pneumonic plague.

People become infected from the plague when they are bitten by a flea that is infected with the plague bacteria. They can also become infected through direct contact with infected tissues or fluids while handling an animal that is sick or died due to the plague. Also, people get an infection from inhaling respiratory droplets after close contact with cats and humans with pneumonic plague.

Pneumonic plague is the most serious form of the disease and is the only form of plague that can be spread from person to person by infectious droplets.

Bubonic plague affects lymph nodes and within 3 to 7 days of exposure to plague bacteria flu like-symptoms develop.

The symptoms of bubonic plague are: chills, fever, seizures, a general feeling of malaise, muscle pain, appearance of smooth, painful lymph gland swelling in the groin, armpit or neck areas. The swelling is known as bubo and is commonly found at the site of the infected flea bite.

Symptoms of pneumonic plague are: severe cough, difficulty breathing, fever, frothy, bloody sputum, and chest pain while breathing deeply.

Plague can be successfully treated with antibiotics. Once a patient is diagnosed with plague then he or she should be hospitalised and in case of pneumonic plague, he or she should be medically isolated.

Reduce rodent habitat around your home, workplace, and recreational areas. By using flea control products you can keep fleas off of your pets. If you think that you are exposed to rodent fleas then use repellent during activities like camping, hiking, etc. Do not allow dogs or cats that roam free in endemic areas to sleep on your bed, etc.