Map Show Places Where Black Death Plague Continues To Be A Threat

According to history, the Black Death used to be among the deadliest ailments ever to plague the planet. It rapidly spread throughout Europe during the medieval era, causing a host of unpleasant symptoms and wiping out much of the population in the continent. While the virus may have been largely forgotten by the public, it remains alive in various areas around the globe.

Black Death Quick Facts

The Black Death, which is also sometimes called the Great Plague, Plague, and the Pestilence, is scientifically known as the bubonic plague. Identified as one of the three strains caused by the Yersinia pestis bacteria, the bubonic plague lasted for approximately four years and deeply scarred Europe. The Yersinia pestis bacteria also cause pneumonic and septicemic plagues.

Thanks to infected fleas that arrived in Europe from the Far East riding on the backs of rats, it rapidly spread throughout the continent. Poor hygiene and dirty city streets acted as strong catalysts of the disease.

At present, modern science and good hygienic practices have somehow defeated the effectiveness of the plague. It continues, however, to cause hundreds of cases annually, with some dying from the disease.

Areas Where Black Death Is Still Alive

Health officials have observed epidemics of the black plague in South America and Asia. Most of the cases, however, seem to be happening in Africa.

It is regarded as endemic in many areas on the continent, which include Madagascar, Peru, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Cases of bubonic plague happen in Madagascar annually, particularly on a period called the “epidemic season.”

Health officials say that since 1990, there are approximately 20 to 30 cases of the disease during this season, which is from October to March. Animals on almost every continent, except Oceania, are also found to be carrying the plague. The disease spreads through contact with body fluids of sick people or contact with infected fleas.

Black Death Symptoms

The Center for Disease Control says that people who get infected with the bubonic plague experience symptoms like headache, fever, a general feeling of weakness, and chills. One or more of their lymph nodes may become swollen and can protrude from the skin, which sometimes turns black.

Bacteria from the infection can rapidly spread and multiply. Scientists also say that the fatality rate of the plague is at 50% to 70%.

The World Health Organization recommends seeking immediate diagnosis when you experience the symptoms. This is because the disease can cause infected persons to die within 18 to 24 hours. Good thing modern medicine has devised a way to defeat the disease. Among the treatment methods is the quick administration of antibiotics to kill the bacteria.