Plague

Diagnosis

A health care provider can often make a probable diagnosis of plague based on a combination of factors:

• Symptoms experienced by the patient
• Recent outdoor activity or travel that could lead to exposure
• Contact with dead or sick animals
• Known flea bites or exposure to rodents

Laboratory tests are used to confirm the presence of the Yersinia pestis bacteria. Samples for testing may include:

• Fluid from swollen lymph nodes (buboes)
• Blood
• Mucous from the lungs
• Cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord

Treatment often begins before laboratory confirmation to reduce the risk of severe illness or complications.

Treatment

Treatment for plague should start as soon as the disease is suspected, usually in a hospital setting. Antibiotics commonly used to treat plague include:

• Gentamicin
• Doxycycline (Monodox, Vibramycin, others)
• Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
• Levofloxacin
• Moxifloxacin (Avelox)
• Chloramphenicol

Prompt treatment is critical to improve outcomes and reduce the risk of serious complications from the infection.