Lots of important stuff for Knowledge Check 2 Flashcards
What were the three types of Black Death?
- Bubonic Plague
- Pneumonic Plague
- Septicemic Plague
Describe the symptoms of the Bubonic Plague.
Fever
Headache
Chills
Muscle weakness
Buboes - a swollen lymph node usually in the armpits or groin area
Seizures
Death
Describe the symptoms of pneumonic plague.
Fever
Headache
Weakness
Pneumonia
Shortness of breath and chest pain
Coughing blood
Lung failure
Shock
Seizures
Death
Describe the symptoms of septicemic plague.
Fever
Chills
Extreme weakness
Abdominal pain
Shock
Bleeding into the skin and other organs
Bleeding from the mouth and nose
Skin may die and turn black (gangrene) especially on the fingers, toes and nose
Organ failure
Seizures
Death
Describe the bubonic plague.
The Bubonic Plague was the most common form of the plague. It attacks the lymphatic system. The Bubonic Plague killed around 50% of the people that were infected by it.
Describe the pneumonic plague.
The Pneumonic Plague was less common than the Bubonic Plague but very serious. It was caused by the bacteria attacking the lungs of the patient. The Pneumonic Plague killed around 90% of those who were infected. It was also highly infectious because it made people cough the bacteria into their surroundings.
Describe the septicemic plague.
The Septicemic Plague was the most serious. It was caused by the bacteria infecting the blood. The Septicemic Plague was always fatal.
How was the Bubonic Plague passed around?
The bubonic plague was spread bu fleas which carried the three plagues. These fleas predominantly lived on rats.
What are 2 absolutely crazy theories that doctores thought would help get rid of the plague?
Some doctors believed that eating a spoonful of crushed emeralds would get rid of the plague - this was perhaps the most expensive (and entirely made up) treatment available!
Some believed that rubbing a plucked chicken onto plague boils was a cure. Sometimes the chicken was still alive!
How was the pneumonic plague spread?
The pneumonic plague was airborn - it waas spread from one infected person to another, often through coughs, sneezes and poor personal hygiene.
What is the most common theory on how the Black Death travelled from China to Europe
?
The most common theory is that wats on trading ships came into the great trading harbours of Constantinople, Lisbon and Venice.
What was a problem that stopped doctors from finding a cure?
Doctors did not know about germs (this knowledge was not discovered until the 19th century). This meant they did not understand about infection, cleanliness, or contagion. So how were they supposed to find a cure?
What did people do in relation to dead bodies that had been infected by the plague?
Some communities began burning the clothes and bodies of thos who had died of the plague. They did this to get rid of traces of the plague and this would also have killed the bacteria. Also fleas which contained the plague would be attracted to the dead bodies.
Why were there so many superstitions surrounding the plague?
The Black Death terrified medieval people. They did not know where it had come from. This led to a lot of superstitions surrounding the plague.
What did some communities do when they found out that fleas might be involved in the plague?
They became suspcious of all animals and had a great anger against them especially black cats.