Plague

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Antibodies

Flea

Flea bite - close-up

Bubonic plague; Pneumonic plague; Septicemic plague

Bubonic Plague: Symptoms appear suddenly, usually after 2-5 days of exposure to the bacteria.

• Sudden onset of high fever
• The classic sign is a smooth, painful swelling of a lymph gland(s), called a buboe. The most common area is the groin, but swollen glands may also occur in the armpits or neck. Pain may occur in the area before the swelling.
• Chills
• General discomfort or ill feeling (malaise)
• Muscular pain
• Severe headache
• Seizures

Pneumonic Plague: Symptoms begin abruptly, typically 2-3 days after exposure.

• Severe cough
• Frothy, bloody sputum
• Difficulty breathing

Septicemic Plague: This blood infection may cause death even before the signs of bubonic or pneumonic plague occur.

• Fever
• Extreme illness
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain
• Low blood pressure
• Blood clotting problems
• Failure of several or all organ systems

These tests may indicate a plague infection:

• Culture of bubo
• Culture of sputum
• Blood culture
• Lymph node culture

Review Date: 06/17/2005
Reviewed By: Rocio Hurtado, M.D., Division of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.