Pneumonic Plague

Pneumonic plague is a type of plague that infects humans through the inhalation of a deadly strain of bacteria known as Yersinia pestis. Pneumonic plague is marked by a rapidly developing pneumonia.CDC: Facts About Pneumonic Plague

When Yersinia pestis infects the human body through the bite of an infected flea, the disease is known as bubonic plague. If the bacteria builds up in the blood stream, septicemic plague can occur which is a form of septic shock. Pneumonic plague is also caused by Yersinia pestis. However, it occurs when the bacteria is inhaled through the lungs.CDC: Facts About Pneumonic Plague

• Fever
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Rapidly developing pneumonia
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Cough

Antibiotics must be administered within the firth 24 hours of infection in order to help reduce the chance of death. The types of antibiotics that can combat pneumonic plague are gentamicin, streptomycin, chloramphenicol and the tetracyclines.CDC: Facts About Pneumonic Plague

The content on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor for information on pneumonic plague.

• National Post: Grand Canyon biologist's death raises plague fears - Posted (October 21, 2008)