Septicemic Plague

Septicemic plague is usually associated with hunting and skinning of animals. It can also occur secondary to bubonic and pneumonic plague. It has the following characteristics:

• Incubation Period- Occurs when plague bacteria multiply in the blood. Most commonly, septicemic plague presents as a complication of pneumonic or bubonic plague, but primary septicemic plague can occur.
• Symptoms- Acute onset of fever, chills, prostration, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
• Progression of Disease- As the disease progresses, purpura may develop, as well as possible disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Eventually, hypotension and other signs of shock appear. Septicemic plague is often fatal even when treated.