Plague

Abstract

Historical epidemics of plague spread rapidly. Attack rates and fatality ratios were high: 50-60% of bubonic patients died; pneumonic and septicemic patients almost invariably experienced a fulminant, fatal course. Prevention measures seemed futile, and epidemics understandably caused panic and upheaval. Even today, despite the availability of curative antibiotics and effective control measures, plague provokes alarm and irrational responses. The increasing concern with bioterrorism and the designation of Y. pestis as a Category A select agent have led to renewed concerns about the disease.(1,2) © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2009.