What were the effects of bubonic plauge on its victims?

The bubonic plauge's effects on its victims were horrific and widespread, causing immense suffering and death during its prevalence.

Here are the typical effects and symptoms experienced by those infected with bubonic plague:

1. Swollen Lymph Nodes (Buboes): The bacteria responsible for the plague, Yersina pestis, would cause painful swelling and inflammation in the lymph nodes, creating large and tender "buboes." These buboes could appear in various parts of the body, most commonly in the armpits, neck, or groin.

2. Fever and chills: The infection led to a high fever, often accompanied by chills.

3. Headaches, Nausea, and Vomiting: The intense fever was often accompanied by severe headaches, nausea, and vomiting, contributing to the overall discomfort of the infected individual.

4. Sepsis and Multiple Organ Failure: In some cases, the infection spread to the bloodstream, causing sepsis. When this occurred, the victim could experience multiple organ failure, leading to rapid deterioration of health and increased risk of death.

5. Skin Discoloration: Another prominent symptom was the development of skin discolorations, typically dark purple or black patches known as "plague spots." These spots resulted from tissue necrosis caused by the bacteria and were often considered a sign of advanced infection and high mortality risk.

6. Respiratory Symptoms: In some instances, the plague affected the lungs (known as pneumonic plague), causing severe respiratory symptoms like coughing, chest pain, and shortness of breath.

7. Mental Confusion: The infection could also lead to delirium and mental confusion in some individuals, which added to the overall distress and suffering during this devastating disease.

The symptoms and effects of the bubonic plague varied in severity, and the disease's course was rapid, often leading to death within days of infection. Due to the limited medical understanding and treatments available during those times, the bubonic plague was highly fatal, causing millions of deaths during pandemics like the Black Death in the Middle Ages.