From History Books to Headlines

Although often considered a historical disease, plague remains a modern-day public health concern with global relevance. Caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis and transmitted to humans primarily through infected flea bites or contact with infected animals, plague persists worldwide, including parts of the southwestern United States. The disease presents in three main forms: bubonic, septicemic, and pneumonic. Bubonic plague, the most common form, is characterized by painful swollen lymph nodes known as buboes. Septicemic plague occurs when the infection enters the blood stream, while pneumonic plague, the most virulent and transmissible form, poses a serious bioterrorism threat due to its ability to spread via respiratory droplets and high fatality rate. Though rare today, with an average of seven cases annually in the U.S., plague still demands awareness and preparedness by emergency nurse practitioners and other clinicians. Early diagnosis, timely antibiotic treatment, and vigilant public health measures are critical to reducing its morbidity and mortality.