Definition & Operational Usage
Yersinia pestis is a gram-negative bacterium that causes plague, an acute infectious disease characterized by fever, chills, and swollen lymph nodes. It is primarily transmitted through the bites of infected fleas or direct contact with infected animals, including rodents. Not to be confused with other zoonotic diseases, Yersinia pestis can manifest in bubonic, septicemic, or pneumonic forms, each requiring distinct medical interventions. In the context of emergency medical services (EMS), awareness of plague symptoms is crucial for effective triage and patient management during outbreaks.
Category context: Patient care, assessment, interventions, triage, and EMS system terms commonly used by firefighter/medics.
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