What is Pneumonic Plague and How Does It Spread?
By BBC News
The World Health Organization (WHO) has requested more information from Russia regarding the death of a laboratory worker in Siberia who had been studying plague. While the exact cause of illness remains unclear, media reports have sparked speculation. Russian officials are investigating, assuring that all contacts with the researcher tested negative for pneumonic plague.
What is Pneumonic Plague?
Pneumonic plague is an acute and severe lung infection, often considered the most virulent form of plague. It develops after an initial infection from bubonic or septicaemic plague. Symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, and coughing up blood. Though less common than bubonic plague, it is regarded as more serious. Globally, there are approximately 1,000 to 3,000 cases each year, mostly in central Africa, but also reported in Russia, India, China, and the United States.
"Plague itself has not disappeared... Around 200 rodent species can harbour the bacterium... Sporadic human cases therefore continue to occur." - Prof. Piero Olliaro, University of Oxford
How Does It Spread?
Plague is transmitted by bacteria usually found in small mammals and their fleas. You can contract it through a flea bite or by handling infected animals. Human-to-human transmission through coughing infected droplets into the air is also possible but requires close contact. Pneumonic plague can also develop from septicaemic plague when the infection spreads to the lungs.
The Black Death, the catastrophic outbreak that ravaged Europe in the 14th century, was believed to be primarily caused by pneumonic plague.
Can It Be Treated?
According to the WHO, pneumonic plague can be treated with antibiotics if diagnosed early. Effective treatment is crucial to prevent further spread and potential mortality rates of up to 90% without proper medical intervention.