Bubonic plague
The most common form, often causing fever and painful swollen lymph nodes.
PLAGUE / ESSENTIAL GUIDE
Understanding plague
A sourced guide to transmission, clinical forms, treatment and prevention.
Pneumonic plague
Affects the lungs and may spread through respiratory droplets during close contact.
Septicaemic plague
Infection in the bloodstream, developing directly or from bubonic plague.
Plague is an infectious disease caused by Yersinia pestis. Bubonic plague is the most common form; pneumonic plague can spread between people through respiratory droplets during close contact; septicemic plague occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream.
Early treatment with effective antibiotics can greatly improve outcomes. Anyone who develops sudden fever, painful swollen lymph nodes or severe respiratory symptoms after a possible exposure should contact local medical services immediately.
QUICK ANSWERS
Read the evidence before reading the risk.
This page provides general health information and cannot replace clinical diagnosis.
Is plague treatable?
Yes. Prompt treatment with effective antibiotics substantially improves outcomes.
Can plague spread person to person?
Pneumonic plague can spread through droplets during close contact; bubonic plague usually does not spread directly between people.
What should I do after a possible exposure?
Seek local medical care immediately for acute fever, swollen lymph nodes or severe respiratory symptoms after a possible exposure.