Bubonic plague

Updated: 2024-01-04

Description

A rare but serious infection caused by bacteria found in small animals and their fleas.

Overview

Bubonic plague is caused by bacteria called Yersinia pestis. This germ lives in small rodents and their fleas. An infected flea can spread the bacteria to a human through a flea bite. Once infected, a person can spread it to other people directly.

Symptoms

Symptoms of bubonic plague include very swollen lymph nodes in the armpits, groin or neck. Other symptoms are sudden high fever, chills, headache, tiredness, weakness and muscle aches. Some people have skin sores.

Treatments

Bubonic plague is most often treated in the hospital with antibiotic medicines.