The Black Death: A Resurgent Threat?
Despite advancements in medicine, some deadly diseases from the past, such as whooping cough, measles, and leprosy, are making a comeback. One disease that may surprise you on this list is the Black Death, also known as the bubonic plague, which ravaged Europe during the Middle Ages.
What is the Black Death?
The Black Death is a bacterial disease that is typically spread to humans by fleas that have bitten infected rodents. It gets its name from the blackening effect it can have on infected skin.
A Resurgent Disease
Contrary to popular belief, the Black Death never fully disappeared. The World Health Organization estimates that there are 1,000 to 3,000 cases of plague reported worldwide each year. In the United States, there have been nearly 1,000 confirmed or probable cases of plague since 1900, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
How is the Plague Spread?
The plague is most commonly spread through the bite of an infected flea. Fleas can become infected by biting rodents that carry the plague bacterium, such as rats and squirrels. Humans can also become infected by handling infected animals or their carcasses.
Symptoms of the Plague
Symptoms of the plague can vary depending on the type of infection. The most common form of plague, bubonic plague, causes swollen lymph nodes (buboes) in the armpits, groin, or neck. Other symptoms may include fever, chills, headache, and muscle aches.
Treatment and Prevention
The plague can be treated with antibiotics if it is caught early enough. However, some scientists are concerned about the possibility of the plague-causing bacterium developing resistance to antibiotics.
There are several steps you can take to prevent plague:
- Avoid contact with rodents and their nests.
- Keep your home and yard free of rodent attractants, such as food and garbage.
- Use insect repellent containing DEET when spending time outdoors.
- Wear gloves when handling dead animals.
Antibiotic Resistance
One of the biggest concerns about the resurgence of the plague is the potential for the plague-causing bacterium to develop resistance to antibiotics. This could make the disease much more difficult to treat.
Researchers are working to develop new antibiotics that are effective against antibiotic-resistant strains of the plague bacterium. In the meantime, it is important to take steps to prevent the spread of the plague and to seek medical attention immediately if you experience any symptoms of the disease.
Long-Term Impact
The long-term impact of the resurgence of the Black Death is difficult to predict. However, it is clear that this disease is still a threat to public health. By taking steps to prevent the spread of the plague and to develop new treatments, we can help to protect ourselves from this deadly disease.
