WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What is plague? Plague is a life-threatening disease caused by bacteria. Plague is found in rodents, such as rats, prairie dogs, and squirrels. Plague spreads through direct contact with an infected animal or person. Plague may also spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. What are the signs and symptoms of plague? Symptoms begin 2 to 8 days after infection with the bacteria. You may have the following: - Sudden fever, chills, and weakness
- Swollen, red, and extremely painful lymph nodes in your armpits, neck, or groin area. These are called bubos. They may be may be ½ inch to 4 inches (1 to 10 cm) across. Rarely, the bubo opens up and pus comes out.
- Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Unexplained bleeding
- Purple skin patches that turn black
- Chest pain, painful breathing, and coughing up blood
How is plague diagnosed? Tell your healthcare provider if you have traveled in the past 10 days. Tell him if you have had contact with a person or animal who may have plague. A sample of blood, mucus from your lungs, or tissue from your lymph node will show if you have plague. Your healthcare provider must make a diagnosis quickly because the disease is life-threatening. He may start treatment based on your symptoms and if you have recently been in an area with infected rodents. How is plague treated? Antibiotics treat the bacterial infection. When should I contact my healthcare provider? - You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
When should I seek immediate care or call 911? - You have been exposed to plague.
- You have a sudden fever with chills and weakness.
- You develop swollen, red, and extremely painful lymph nodes in your armpits, neck, or groin area.
- You have abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- You have unexplained bleeding.
- You have purple skin patches that turn black.
- You have chest pain, painful breathing, and you are coughing up blood.
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