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The plague is one of the most historically significant diseases, infamous for causing several pandemics including the Black Death in the 14th century, which wiped out nearly one-third of Europe’s population. The causative bacterium is Yersinia pestis, which is transmitted to humans through fleas that infest rats.
When infected rats die, their fleas seek new hosts. If these fleas bite humans, they can inject the plague bacterium into the bloodstream, causing infection. Hence, rats are the primary carriers of plague, and their close association with human settlements in the past made large-scale outbreaks possible.
There are three main forms of plague:
Bubonic plague – Characterized by painful swollen lymph nodes (buboes), fever, and weakness.
Septicemic plague – Occurs when the bacteria spread into the blood, leading to sepsis, tissue death, and possible gangrene.
Pneumonic plague – The most contagious type, spread through respiratory droplets, and can be fatal if untreated.
Cow (Option A): Cows do not transmit plague.
Cat (Option B): While cats may occasionally contract plague from infected rodents, they are not the natural reservoir or primary carriers.
Dog (Option D): Dogs are also not responsible for plague transmission.
Rat (Option C): Correct – rats, along with their fleas, are the main culprits in spreading plague to humans.
Modern medicine has made plague treatable with antibiotics such as streptomycin and doxycycline. Control measures include rodent population management, flea control, and improved sanitation.
Thus, the plague is a disease spread by rats and their fleas, which historically made it one of the deadliest pandemics in human history.
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