Plague

There are three types of plague:

• Bubonic: The bubonic plague spreads through bites from infected fleas and handling infected animals.
• Septicaemic: The septicaemic plague spreads through bites from infected fleas and handling infected animals.
• Pneumonic: The pneumonic plague spreads through breathing in infectious droplets from people and/or animals. The pneumonic plague can also develop from the bubonic or septicaemic plague if left untreated.

Plague causes fever, chills and enlarged lymph nodes, which progress to large, tender, discoloured lesions (bubonic plague) and respiratory complications. Inhaling airborne droplets (pneumonic plague) also occurs but is very rare. Septicaemic plague can cause the skin on the fingers, toes and nose to turn black and die.

Take precautions against flea bites in areas where plague is known to occur. There is currently no vaccine available for the plague. It is recommended that you wear the appropriate insect repellent, treat clothing and gear with permethrin, avoid touching sick or dead animals, and make your living arrangements rodent-proof.

With early diagnosis, the disease can be treated with antibiotics. If left untreated, the plague can be fatal. It is recommended that antibiotic treatment begin as soon as laboratory specimens are taken to prevent death in patients, especially if they have pneumonic plague.