Answer :
When discussing the bubonic plague, it's important to understand the different forms it can take, and how the method of exposure affects the severity of the illness. The bubonic plague is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. There are three primary forms of the plague: bubonic, septicemic, and pneumonic.
Bubonic Plague: This is the most common form. It typically occurs after being bitten by an infected flea. Symptoms often include swollen lymph nodes, called buboes, which are very painful.
Septicemic Plague: This occurs when the infection spreads in the bloodstream. It can occur as a progression of the bubonic plague or independently after infection.
Pneumonic Plague: This is the most severe form and can occur if the bacteria infect the lungs, either from the beginning or after the initial spread of another form. It is highly contagious because it can be spread through respiratory droplets from person to person.
If someone inhales the bacteria, leading to pneumonic plague, it becomes particularly dangerous because:
Rapid Progression: Pneumonic plague progresses rapidly, with symptoms like chest pain, difficulty breathing, and coughing up blood appearing within days to hours.
High Mortality Rate: Without early treatment, pneumonic plague can be fatal. Historically, it had a very high mortality rate even with medical treatment.
Contagious Nature: Pneumonic plague can easily spread to others through airborne droplets, making containment and treatment more difficult.
Effective treatment is possible with modern antibiotics, but it is critical to start them as soon as symptoms appear to increase the chances of survival. Therefore, the question highlights the serious nature of pneumonic plague due to inhalation, emphasizing the quick progression and danger if not treated promptly.
