Plague

{plag) [nATjyT], a stroke]. A contagious disease at present endemic in Eastern Asia, but in former times occurring epidemically in Europe and Asia Minor. After a period of incubation of from three to eight days, the disease begins with fever, pain, and swelling of the lymphatic glands, chiefly the femoral, inguinal, axillary, and cervical. Headache, delirium, vomiting, and diarrhea may be present. In cases that are going on to recovery the temperature usually falls in about a week. The cause of the disease is believed to be a bacillus found by Kit as a to in the blood, buboes, and internal organs of the victims of the plague. 502