Septicemic Plague

The endotoxemia and systemic inflammatory response syndrome associated with septicemic plague must be differentiated from any bacterial or viral invasion of the body that can cause septicemic shock.

• Incubation Period- Occurs when plague bacteria multiply in the blood. Septicemic plague is more common than primary pneumonic plague and is usually associated with hunters skinning infected animals.
• Symptoms- Acute onset of fever, chills, prostration, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
• Progression of Disease- Pupura and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) are quite common with plague sepsis. Eventual amputation of fingers, toes, or feet is not uncommon.