Self-Care Guidelines
Bubonic plague is an unusual diagnosis and needs to be treated quickly, so if you have reason to suspect that you have bubonic plague, you should seek medical attention immediately and relay your concerns. Additionally:
- Although there is no evidence that bubonic plague is contagious between humans, take care to not come into contact with other people, particularly children, the elderly, and the immunocompromised.
- Keep buboes and other skin lesions clean and covered.
- Rest and stay well hydrated until you can receive direct medical care.
When to Seek Medical Care
You should contact your doctor whenever you have an illness with large, swollen lymph nodes. (Many medical conditions other than bubonic plague cause this sort of reaction, and most of these conditions require medical attention.) If you have a specific reason to suspect bubonic plague, mention your concerns to your doctor. If you are bitten by fleas in a rat-infested endemic area or if you are in contact with a person with bubonic plague, contact your doctor to discuss preventative treatment.
Signs and Symptoms
