Pneumonic plague
Pneumonic Plague
Pneumonic plague (pronounced: new-MON-ik PLAYG) is a severe type of lung infection caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. It is one of several forms of plague, which is a disease that has been responsible for major epidemics throughout history.
Etymology
The term "pneumonic" is derived from the Greek word "pneumon", which means "lung". The word "plague" comes from the Latin "plaga", meaning "stroke" or "wound".
Symptoms
Symptoms of pneumonic plague include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms may include chest pain, nausea, and vomiting. The disease can be fatal if not treated promptly with antibiotics.
Transmission
Pneumonic plague can be transmitted from person to person through the air, making it the only form of plague that can be spread this way. It can also be contracted by handling infected animals or by being bitten by a flea that has fed on an infected animal.
Prevention and Treatment
Prevention of pneumonic plague involves avoiding contact with infected animals and people, and taking precautions to avoid flea bites. Treatment typically involves the use of antibiotics, which can be effective if administered early in the course of the disease.
Related Terms
- Bubonic plague: Another form of plague, which affects the lymph nodes.
- Septicemic plague: A form of plague that affects the blood.
- Yersinia pestis: The bacterium that causes plague.
- Epidemic: A widespread occurrence of an infectious disease in a community at a particular time.
- Pandemic: An epidemic of disease that has spread across a large region, for instance multiple continents, or worldwide.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Pneumonic plague
- Wikipedia's article - Pneumonic plague
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