How does the black pague kill you?

The Black Death, caused by the bacterium *Yersinia pestis*, kills in several ways. The most common form of the disease is bubonic plague, which is characterized by the swelling of the lymph nodes (buboes) in the armpits, groin, or neck. The bacteria enter the body through the bite of an infected flea and travel to the lymph nodes, where they multiply and cause inflammation and fever. The buboes can become very painful and may eventually rupture, leading to sepsis and death.

Septicemic plague is a more severe form of the disease in which the bacteria enter the bloodstream and multiply rapidly, causing widespread organ failure and death. This form of the plague is often fatal within a few days of symptoms appearing.

Pulmonary plague is the least common form of the disease, but it is also the most contagious. It occurs when the bacteria are inhaled into the lungs, causing pneumonia, difficulty breathing, and coughing up blood. Pulmonary plague is often fatal within a few hours of symptoms appearing.

The Black Death is a highly infectious disease with a mortality rate of up to 50%. It is important to seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of the symptoms of the plague.