The Pneumonic Plague: Understanding and Treating the Black Death
Introduction
The recent death of a person in Flagstaff, Arizona due to the pneumonic plague has sparked concerns and questions about this rare illness. The pneumonic plague, also known as the "Black Death," is a type of plague that is easily curable if treated promptly.
What is the Pneumonic Plague?
The pneumonic plague is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. It is primarily transmitted through the air by respiratory droplets from infected individuals. The initial symptoms are similar to the flu, such as fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, but can quickly progress to severe pneumonia and septic shock.
Curing the Plague
While the "Black Death" may sound like a medieval disease, it is still present today and can be deadly if left untreated. However, with the advancement in modern medicine, the plague