The Bubonic Plague

The Bubonic Plague, caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, is a devastating infectious disease historically known for causing significant outbreaks, including the Black Death in the 14th century. It spreads primarily through fleas that live on rats, and it can also spread through contaminated materials or direct contact. Symptoms include fever, chills, weakness, and swollen lymph nodes, often called "buboes." If left untreated, it can lead to severe illness or death. Modern antibiotics can effectively treat the plague, making it less deadly today than in the past when it claimed millions of lives across Europe and Asia.