Killer Germs: Pneumonic Plague

Why Pneumonic Plague?

In the 1950s and 60s, more than ten institutes and thousands of U.S. and Soviet scientists reportedly worked on biological weapons programs, developing techniques to aerosolize Plague particles - leading directly to the contraction of Pneumonic Plague.(1) In the wrong hands, such techniques pose a potentially serious threat to any population that may fall victim to such an attack.  The good news, however, is that Pneumonic Plague has not been reported in the U.S. since 1925.(2)

What is it? 

The Plague presents in three forms: Pneumonic, Bubonic and Septicemic. These infections are caused by the bacteria Yersinia Pestis, present primarily in the fleas of rats and other rodents.

The first great Plague pandemic began in Egypt in 451AD.  Over the next 4 years, the illness swept around the world.  Attributed population losses during that time were between 50-60%.  In 1346, the second pandemic outbreak occurred.  Known as "the Black Death", within 5 years it ravaged the Middle East, killed more than 13 million people in China and another 20-30 million more throughout Europe.  The third pandemic began in 1855 and spread to all inhabited continents, ultimately killing more than 12 million people in India and China alone.(3)

How is it Contracted?

The Plague is normally transmitted from an infected rodent to humans through infected fleas.  Given advances in public health, improved living conditions, and groundbreaking medical therapies, future naturally-occuring mass outbreaks are highly improbable and unlikely.