Yersinia pestis history

Justinian Plague

The first pandemic caused by a zoonotic pathogen, occurring in the Mediterranean Basin from 541 to 750/767 CE.

Black Plague

The second pandemic lasting from 1346 to the 18th century in Europe, which killed an estimated one-third of the European population.

Transmission methods for the plague

Methods include contact with animal carcasses, animal bites, or consumption of contaminated animals, primarily through fleas.

Alexandre Yersin

Developed the first antiserum for the plague in 1895, reducing the mortality rate from 82% to 32% initially.

Preventive measures for plague

Recommendations include avoiding areas of outbreaks, taking precautions against flea bites, and reporting infected animals.

Effective treatments for the plague

Includes antiserum, sulfapyridine solutions, and antibiotics particularly effective during early stages of the disease.

Zoonotic pathogen

Pathogen that can be transmitted from animals to humans, as seen with the plague.

Plague outbreak control

Involves monitoring infected animals and developing short-term vaccines, which may not be effective for all plague variations.