In simple words: Septicemic plague is a serious blood infection caused by the same bacteria that cause bubonic plague. It happens when the bacteria spread from the lymph nodes or lungs into the bloodstream.This can cause serious problems with blood clotting, leading to bleeding and tissue damage throughout the body.

Septicemic plague is a severe blood infection caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. It typically arises secondary to bubonic or pneumonic plague when the bacteria invade and multiply within the bloodstream.This can lead to diffuse intravascular coagulation with hemorrhaging into skin, subcutaneous tissues, and organs and subsequent gangrene (death of tissues due to loss of vascular supply).

Example 1: A patient presents with fever, chills, headache, and body aches following a known flea bite in an endemic area. Blood cultures confirm the presence of Yersinia pestis, indicating septicemic plague., A patient initially diagnosed with bubonic plague develops signs of systemic infection, including disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and multi-organ failure, indicating progression to septicemic plague., A laboratory worker handling Yersinia pestis cultures develops fever, chills, and hypotension. Blood tests confirm septicemic plague acquired through occupational exposure.

Documentation should include evidence of infection with Yersinia pestis, typically through blood cultures, and clinical findings consistent with septicemic plague, such as fever, chills, prostration, and evidence of organ dysfunction. Details of exposure history (e.g., flea bites, contact with infected animals) should also be documented.