What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Septicaemic Plague

What is Septicemic Plague? (Definition/Background Information)

• Plague is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. Humans are typically infected through rodent or flea bites, or from close contact with the infected animal
• There are 3 main types of Plague, namely:
  • Bubonic Plague, when the bacteria infect the lymph nodes
  • Septicemic Plague, when the bacteria infect and multiply in blood
  • Pneumonic Plague, when the bacteria infect the lungs and cause pneumonia
• Septicemic Plague is transmitted through infected rodent or flea bites, and sometimes, through an open skin wound (while handling infected material)
• There is a higher risk for infection in the tropical and sub-tropical regions. The risks also include certain occupations (such as farming), being a vet, coming in close contact with infected animals, hunting, and outdoor camping
• Septicemic Plague signs and symptoms can develop within 7 days of infection. It is mostly characterized by bleeding under the skin, fever and chills, and general malaise
• The healthcare provider arrives at a diagnosis of Septicemic Plague from assessing the symptoms, studying the affected individual’s work and travel history, and through blood tests to check for the causative organism
• If the underlying infection and associated signs and symptoms are treated in a timely manner, Septicemic Plague is a curable condition. The treatment usually involves the prompt administration of antibiotics
• The prognosis generally depends upon the severity of the underlying signs and symptoms due to this bacterial infection. With early diagnosis and treatment of Septicemic Plague, a full recovery can be ensured. A delay in diagnosis makes the prognosis worse and can result in death
• Maintaining personal hygiene, keeping the immediate home and work environment free of rodents (such as by getting rid of potential or existing rodent habitat) and taking precautions while handling animals can help prevent Septicemic Plague

Who gets Septicemic Plague? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Septicemic Plague is a bacterial infection that can affect individuals of all age groups
• There is no gender preference and both males and females are affected
• Generally, the infection is observed worldwide and all racial and ethnic groups are at risk
• However, the disease spreads rapidly in tropical and sub-tropical places, wherever rodent (rat) population is high

What are the Risk Factors for Septicemic Plague? (Predisposing Factors)

The following risk factors for Septicemic Plague infection are noted:

• Location: Individuals who live in areas where rat population is more and overcrowding is common have a high risk of contracting Yersinia Pestis Infection
• Occupation: Individuals, whose occupation necessitates close contact with animals (rodents), such as veterinarians, farmers, and hunters, have a very high risk
• Hobbies: Individuals with hobbies, such as camping, hunting, or hiking, are vulnerable to the disease in Plague-affected areas

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one's chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Septicemic Plague? (Etiology)

Septicemic Plague is caused by a bacterial infection. The bacterium Yersinia pestis infects rodents and fleas, which in turn, infects humans.

• Infected flea-bite is the most common cause for the spread of infection
• Bites of infected rodents, such as rats, squirrels, and rabbits, can also spread the disease
• Open skin wounds can also lead to this form of infection
• Septicemic Plague rarely spreads from one individual to another, but can develop from Bubonic Plague due to inadequate treatment

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Septicemic Plague?

The signs and symptoms of Septicemic Plague can take up to 7 days to appear and may include the following:

• Fever and chills
• Weakness
• Bleeding under the skin; bleeding through the nose or mouth
• Low blood pressure
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Breathing difficulties

How is Septicemic Plague Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of Septicemic Plague may involve the following tests and exams:

• Physical examination and examining the signs and symptoms of the affected individual
• Medical history evaluation, including recent travel history
• Recent history of rodent bites (such as from rats or rabbits)
• Blood or sputum tests to check for the presence of the causative bacterium

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Septicemic Plague?

Septicemic Plague, if left untreated, can lead to severe complications such as:

• The skin tissue may turn discolored and black due to necrosis; the skin over the nose, fingers and toes (extremities) are specifically affected. Blood clots appear in the blood vessels affecting the free flow of blood to the region. This is condition is known as gangrene and it is accompanied by extreme pain. This condition may necessitate the amputation of the affected fingers and toes
• Meningitis: Inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord
• Multiple organ failure
• Shock
• Untreated or delayed treatment of Septicemic Plague may develop to affect the lungs (forming Pneumonic Plague)

How is Septicemic Plague Treated?

Any individual who tests positive for Septicemic Plague should be given immediate medical attention and the condition treated appropriately. The treatment may involve the following measures:

• A dose of powerful antibiotics, such as streptomycin, gentamicin, doxycycline, ciprofloxacin, or chloramphenicol, either individually or in combination, is normally administered
• In some cases, intravenous fluids, oxygen and respiratory support may also be required

How can Septicemic Plague be Prevented?

The prevention of Septicemic Plague may be achieved through the following measures:

• Cleanliness and personal hygiene
• All necessary steps must be taken to ensure that one’s surroundings are free of rodents
• Keeping the residential environment clean is an important preventive method
• Places that can potentially harbor and colonize rodents (especially rats) should be eliminated or sanitized to prevent infestation
• Dead animals and rodents have to be handled extremely carefully and to strict safety standards; ensure that open skin wounds, if any, are kept properly covered and protected
• Follow government advisories on disease outbreaks and schedule travel plans accordingly
• Individuals, such as veterinary doctors, who come in contact with animals on a daily basis, have to take suitable safety measures before treating the infected animals

What is the Prognosis of Septicemic Plague? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• With early diagnosis and proper treatment, it is possible to treat Septicemic Plague effectively. The prognosis of the infection in such cases is good
• Without treatment, the infection can cause death in about 50% of the infected individuals. It can also cause severe and life-threatening complications such as gangrene and meningitis

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Septicemic Plague:

Among the 3 types of Plague, Septicemic Plague is the rarest and affects fewer individuals than either Bubonic or Pneumonic Plague.