Jesse+Isaak's+Bubonic+Plague

= **Bubonic Plague** =

__**Cause**__ Bubonic plague is caused by bacterium called Yersinia Pestis. It is part of the Enterobacteriaceae family and is a gram-negative bacteria that is facultative anaerobic, which means that it can grow with or without oxygen.

**__Transmission__** Rodents carry the bacteria and fleas spread the disease after they bite a rodent with the bacteria. People can obtain the disease by being bitten by fleas carrying the disease.

**__Effects__** Symptoms: (appear suddenly, usually 2-5 days after exposure to the bacteria) chillls fever general ill feeling headache muscle pain seizures smooth, painful lymph gland swelling called a bubo commonly found in the groin but may occur in the armpits or neck, most often at the site of the infection pain may occur in the area before swelling appears. Causes tonsils, adenoids, spleen, and thymus to become inflamed. Without treatment, bubonic plague can kill approximately two thirds of infected persons within 4 days.

**__Treatment:__** Antibitoics such as streptomycin and gentamycin are used for treating bubonic plague. Patients are hospitalized and medically isoated.

__**Prevention:**__ Outbreaks occur in poor housing and unsanitary communities and are usually associated with infected rodents living in the area. Bubonic plague is no longer a common disease, but prevention is acheived by maintaining environmental sanitation, educating the public on ways to prevent exposures, and preventive antibiotic therapy.

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