What is The Black Death Essay Example

The Black Death, also known as the Plague, is a serious bacterial infection spread by fleas and small mammals, such as rats, mice, squirrels, rabbits, prairie dogs, chipmunks, and voles. About 60% of Europe’s population was killed by the Plague during the Middle Ages. Now fewer than 5,00 people each year worldwide are infected by the bacteria. 

The Plague is very uncommon now. Very few people are infected per year. Even fewer people die from it. Still, there are some cases of the Plague, but it is very unlikely. The Plague is most commonly found in South America, Asia, and some of Africa (mostly Madagascar). In America, the Plague is most commonly seen in states such as New Mexico, Arizona, California, and Colorado. Though, it is most common in these places doesn’t mean it is likely to occur.

There are three types of Plague, Bubonic, Septicemic, and Pneumonic. Bubonic Plague got its name from the swollen lymph nodes, called buboes. Buboes are normally found on the body in places such as the groin, armpits, or neck and are about the size of a chicken egg. It can cause muscle aches and headaches. It may also bring upon sudden chills and a fever. Septicemic Plague can cause extreme weakness and abdominal pain. It may also cause shock, a fever, and chills. Along with blackening, the death of tissue in your extremities (likely in fingers, toes, or nose), and bleeding from the mouth, nose, rectum, or under the skin. Pneumonic Plague causes people to cough up bloody mucus, called sputum. It makes breathing harder and gives people high fevers. Pneumonic Plague may cause chest pains, weakness, nausea, and vomiting.

Scientists have found no effective vaccine, but continue to work on developing one. If you are at risk of Plague or have been exposed, antibiotics are what is recommended. If you live somewhere that has seen plague recently you should rid your home of any rodents, make sure you check for nesting to remove, and leave pet food in an area that is not easily accessible to rodents. You could also keep any pets flea-free. Along with wearing gloves and using insect repellent. If you are suspicious of the Plague, you should be hospitalized immediately. If it is Pneumonic Plague you should be medically isolated. After hospitalization, a series of laboratory tests will be run. This includes blood cultures test for any signs of Plague bacteria. In addition some microscope examination of lymph node, blood, and sputum samples. When all examinations are completed, antibiotic treatment should be starting as soon as possible. Antibiotics should be given within 24 hours of the very first symptom in order to reduce the high risk of death.