What treats Bubonic Plague?

What medication treats bubonic plague?

Bubonic plague is a bacterial infection caused by the bacteria Yersinia pestis which can be effectively treated with antibiotics. If bubonic plague is left untreated, the infection can spread and progress to septicemic plague and may even infect the lungs to become secondary pneumonic plague. Treatment with antibiotics is essential to prevent severe complications and even death.

Antibiotics used to treat bubonic plague:

*IV = intravenous injection, IM =Intramuscular injection, Oral = oral medication that is swallowed

It is important to start IV antibiotic treatment as soon as possible in suspected bubonic plague. If possible pretreatment samples should be taken, but treatment should not be delayed by waiting for results.

Antibiotics can be changed from IV antibiotics to oral antibiotics once the patients' condition has improved.

Antibiotic treatment is usually 10 to 14 days, or until 2 days after the fever has finished.

For more information on plague symptoms, complications and risk factors click here: Plague

Bottom line:

• Bubonic plague is a bacterial infection caused by the bacteria Yersinia pestis.
• Bubonic plague can successfully be treated with specific antibiotics.
• If bubonic plague is not treated, the infection can lead to serious complications including death.