Cases of bubonic plague were reported in US’ Colarado in
Bayannur. According to the local media, a 10-year-old has died due to the deadly disease. The plague caused more than 50 million deaths in the 14th
century. In 2020, China was put on alert after suspects cases of the bubonic plague were reported.

Also Read: North China city sounds alert for bubonic plague

Here’s is all you need to know about
the plague

What is bubonic plague?

It
is caused by bacteria called Yersinia pestis living in animals – mainly rodents
– and their fleas. It is the most common type of the disease that people can
get. The disease gets its name from the symptoms it causes, including painful,
swollen lymph nodes or ‘buboes’ in the groin or armpit.

What does it do?

After being infected, a person
usually becomes ill between two and six days.

Infected person has enlarged lymph
nodes along with fever, chills, headache, muscle aches and tiredness.

It can also affect the lungs, causing
a cough, chest pain and difficulty breathing.

If the bacteria enters the
bloodstream, it can cause a condition called septicaemia or sepsis, leading to
tissue damage, organ failure and death.

How
can you catch it?

Infected fleas’ bite

Touching infected animals such as rats and mice

Infected respiratory droplets of infected people or
animals

A cut in the skin can become a source
if the person came in close contact with an infected animals blood

Treatment

The disease is lethal if not treated.
Antibiotics are important,  prompt treatment and early diagnosis can save lives.