Bubonic Plague

Bubonic Plague is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis which is spread by the fleas or even by rodents.

The symptoms are seen mostly after 1-7 days after exposure to the bacteria. The symptoms are similar to those of flu like fever, headache and vomiting. Swollen and painful lymph nodes occur in the area from where the bacteria enters the body.

Last seen?

The last pandemic called as “Third Pandemic” was observed in 1855 in the Chinese province of Yunan.

In the early 20th century it found its way to all the continents. In the 1950’s when the pandemic ended, 15 million lived were lost. The estimated number was 200 million.

Vaccine

The vaccine for Bubonic Plague is not commercially available for many countries. According to WHO, the vaccine is available only for people with high exposure to the plague.

Between 2010 to 2015, 3248 cases of Bubonic Plague were reported worldwide and the death toll recorded was 584.

Most recent cases?

A few days ago the first suspect of Bubonic Plague was reported in China. Thereby, issuing an alert to avoid hunting and eating animals that might carry the plague.

The suspected case is of a 27 year old resident who ate Marmot meat. Marmots are large ground squirrels with 15 species living across Asia, Europe and North America.

Why is Bubonic Plague known as ” Black death “?

Bubonic Plague is said to one of the deadliest pandemics of all times as it killed approximately 200 million people in the 14th century.

It’s name black death was given by the Victorian scientists. The lymph nodes become black and swollen after the bacteria enters the skin and therefore this pandemic was named as Black death due to its symptoms.