Plague

Plague is a disease that affects animals and humans. It is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis which is found in rodents and their fleas. Plague is found in many areas of the world. It is not common in the United States.
There are three forms of plague:
1. Bubonic (large swollen lymph nodes)
2. Pneumonic (lungs)
3. Septicemic (blood)
== Bubonic Plague ==
Bubonic plague is one of three types of plague caused by the plague bacterium (Yersinia pestis). One to seven days after exposure to the bacteria, flu-like symptoms develop. These symptoms include fever, headaches, and vomiting. Yersinia pestis has been discovered in archaeological finds from the Late Bronze Age (~3800 BP). The bacteria is identified by ancient DNA in human teeth from Asia and Europe dating from 2,800 to 5,000 years ago.