Black Plague Returning

The Pestilence, also known as the Black Death or Black Plague, has shockingly returned. The Black Plague was one of the scariest and most devastating epidemics in human history which resulted in the deaths of around 75 to 200 million people in Eurasia around the 1300’s. 

Though it is hard to believe, three people in China are being treated for the disease. It is the second time this deadly disease has been reported in China. In May, according to CNN news, a Mongolian couple died from a The Black Plague after eating the raw kidney of a marmot, a local folk health remedy.

The Black Plague is typically caused by bacteria and can be transmitted through flea bites. It can be transmitted from an infected animal. The disease also typically develops in three different forms. When transmitted, it infects the lungs, causes swollen lymph nodes, chills, and fever. 

Back when it was first discovered, antibiotics were not invented, but today we have them. Most of the infections and diseases that occur today can be treated if found early. It could be deadly if not found early enough.   

“I remember learning about the black plague in middle school thinking that it was gone for good. I guess I was wrong and it’s scary to think about what will happen if it spreads more,” said Cyrus Elmore, 11. 

The disease is contracted through a rat bite. There are currently no vaccines or antibiotics to cure the disease. If it is left untreated, it can turn into the pneumonic plague which spreads to the lungs and results in death. To stay safe, the CDC says to eliminate nesting places for rodents from around homes, sheds, garages and recreation areas by removing brush, rock piles, trash and excess firewood.