Pneumonic plague, a severe and potentially deadly illness caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, is spelled unusually due to its etymology. The word "pneumonic" comes from the Greek word "pneumonikos," which means "relating to the lungs." Hence, the "pn" at the beginning of the word indicates the connection to the respiratory system. Its phonetic transcription is /nuːˈmɒn.ɪk ˈpleɪɡ/. Proper spelling of medical terms is crucial for effective communication between healthcare professionals and accurate dissemination of information to the public.
Pneumonic plague is a severe and highly contagious form of the infectious disease known as the plague. It is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, the same microorganism responsible for causing bubonic and septicemic plague. Pneumonic plague specifically affects the lungs and is characterized by the severe inflammation and infection of the organ.
This type of plague can be transmitted from person to person through the respiratory droplets expelled when an infected individual coughs or sneezes. The bacteria can also be spread through direct contact with bodily fluids or tissues of infected persons or animals, such as rodents. Pneumonic plague is therefore considered highly transmissible and poses a significant risk to public health.
Symptoms of pneumonic plague include high fever, severe cough, difficulty breathing, chest pain, and the production of bloody or watery sputum. If left untreated, the disease can progress rapidly and lead to respiratory failure, shock, and death.
Due to its highly contagious nature and potential for significant morbidity and mortality, pneumonic plague is considered a serious public health threat. Prompt diagnosis, isolation of infected individuals, and treatment with appropriate antibiotics are crucial to prevent the spread of the disease and reduce the risk of complications.
A peculiarly fatal form in which there are scattered areas of pulmonary consolidation, with chill, pain in the side, bloody expectoration, and high fever.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "pneumonic" originates from the Greek word "pneumonikos", which means "pertaining to the lungs". It is derived from the Greek word "pneumōn", meaning "lung". The term "plague" also has Greek roots, originating from the word "plēgē", which means "stroke" or "blow, wound, or calamity". The combination "pneumonic plague" refers to a severe form of the infectious disease known as the bubonic plague, caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. It specifically indicates the pulmonary (lung) form of the disease, as opposed to other manifestations.