PNEUMONIC PLAGUE
Pneumonic plague is caused by the bacterium Y. Pestis.
Rodents and fleas are the carriers of Y. Pestis, which is responsible for some of the most widespread epidemics in human history. There are several forms of plague, which can occur separately or together.
- Bubonic plague (infection of the lymph glands) is the most common form of the disease. It occurs when an infected flea bites a person.
- Septicemia plague (infection of the blood) occurs when plague bacteria multiply in the blood. Untreated septicemia plague is fatal.
- Pneumonic plague (infection of the lungs) occurs when Y. Pestis enters the lungs through exposure to an infected person or through aerosol transmission. Other forms of plague may also develop into pneumonic plague.
This fact sheet addresses pneumonic plague alone, which if aerosolized, could be used in a bioterror attack.
Symptoms of pneumonic plague include fever, headache, weakness and a rapidly progressing pneumonia. Pneumonic plague can result in death due to respiratory failure.
Antibiotics must be administered within 24 hours of first symptoms in order to halt the progression to a life-threatening pneumonia. Early treatment is essential.
People with direct, close contact with pneumonic plague patients may be protected from infection by a prophylactic use of antibiotics.
A plague vaccine is not yet available.
Because pneumonic plague can be spread from person to person through close contact, droplet precautions are required. Use of a surgical mask when treating patients is recommended.
