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News of the death of a teenager due to bubonic plague caused by eating a marmot (species of rodent) has caught headlines, following the recent outbreak of the disease in Inner Mongolia in China which has put Chinese authorities on alert. This article provides an insight into the disease known by many names and caused the deaths of millions during the 14th century.
Black death or the bubonic plague is caused by a virus known as “Yersinia pestis”. It can infect humans via fleas from rats and other rodents. Symptoms of the disease include feeling nauseous, constant bleeding from various parts of the body, extreme weakness and blackening skin. Once a person is infected they go through fever, find it difficult to sleep and suffer from abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea. Victims are also known to feel uncomfortable when exposed to light.
The bubonic plague is known to have originated from China. It is likely that the disease was introduced to Europe through Chinese merchants arriving in ships during the 1300s. Rat infestations on Chinese ships is believed to have caused the spread of the plague to vast areas within a short period of time.
Due to the lack of medical knowledge regarding the disease during that time period, doctors were unable to invent a cure, thus the black death continued to spread throughout almost every country in Europe and Central Asia. The outcome of the pandemic was fatal as many died and the remaining had to face the trauma of uncountable losses. People had to live with the fear of dying to an unknown disease at any moment. Some claimed it to be the result of black magic while others believed it was the beginning of the end of the world.
The deadliest pandemic in European history continued as long as the 1400s, until it was eventually controlled during mid century. The death toll was approximately 50 million worldwide and 60% of Europe’s entire population lost their lives, making the bubonic plague one of the most lethal outbreaks ever recorded.
According to WHO, an estimated 1000 to 2000 people are infected with the plague each year, with the World Health Organisation categorising it as a re-emerging disease. With the availability of modern health care facilities, the disease can be cured if patients receive treatment on time and general hygiene is the best precaution, especially when it comes to the consumption of foods and beverages.
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