How to Treat the Black Death and Modern Plague: Evidence and Insights

The devastating impact of the Black Death in medieval Europe serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by medieval diseases. Despite the advancements in medicine, the plague persists in various forms, although its incidence and treatment have vastly improved over the centuries. This article explores the history and modern treatment of the plague, focusing on the importance of public health measures, sanitation, and antibiotic therapy.

Understanding and Prevention

The plague has historically been transmitted through rodent fleas. Today, fewer than 20 cases are reported annually in the United States, and globally, the number is between 1,000 to 2,000 cases each year. This rare occurrence underscores the significance of public health measures and individual caution to prevent the spread of the disease.

Do not encounter wild rodents.
Avoid catching or eating wild rodents.
Cleanse your living environment of any rodent presence.
Use insect repellent when spending time outdoors.

These preventive measures are critical in reducing the risk of exposure to the plague. Furthermore, fund your local public health department, as they play a crucial role in disease prevention and control.

Modern Treatment with Antibiotics

In today's medical landscape, antibiotics such as Streptomycin, Gentamycin, Tetracycline (Doxycyclin), and Chloramphenicol have proven to be effective in treating plague. While there is no magic cure, these antibiotics significantly reduce the fatality rate compared to pre-antibiotic times.

Without antibiotic therapy, the fatality rates for bubonic plague can range from 40% to 60%, while the fatality rate for pneumonic plague is as high as 99%. With treatment, the fatality rate drops to between 10% to 15%, highlighting the critical importance of early and appropriate medical intervention.

Historical Cures and Practices

The medieval period offered a variety of nonscientific treatments for the plague, many of which were based on the humoral theory of medicine. Doctors and the general public employed a range of methods, including:

Bloodletting: This practice involved deliberately bleeding a vein to reduce the body's 'hot' blood. Nasal and Throat Stimulation: Methods such as blowing your nose or clearing your throat were believed to help expel 'cold' phlegm. Diets: Certain foods and substances were used to balance the body's humors, such as mustard mint sauce, apple sauce, and horseradish. Topical Treatments: Applying onions, herbs, or even chopped snakes (if available) to the boils, or rubbing a chopped-up pigeon over an infected body. Drinking Substances: Consuming vinegar, eating crushed minerals, arsenic, mercury, or even ten-year-old treacle. Environmental Measures: Sitting close to a fire or in a sewer to drive out the fever, or fumigating the house with herbs to purify the air. Flagellation: Some believed God was punishing sinners, leading to flagellants who whipped themselves during processions.

During the 1361-1364 outbreak, doctors took more direct approaches, such as bursting the buboes to aid the patient's recovery. This method was based on the belief that external intervention could help the body fight the infection.

Cure and Immunity

Surviving a case of the plague typically granted lifelong immunity but not always. Historically, there have been reported cases of second infections, indicating that immunity may not be absolute. However, surviving the disease provides significant protection against repeat infections.

Conclusion

The Black Death marked a dark chapter in history, offering lessons on the importance of hygiene, public health, and medical science. While we have come a long way in understanding and treating the plague, vigilance and appropriate medical care remain essential in preventing and managing this deadly disease. By combining modern sanitation, public health measures, and antibiotics, we can significantly reduce the impact of plague and save countless lives.