Many diseases claim people's lives every day. The bubonic plague was a serious epidemic that killed around 25 million people in Europe during the 14th century. Not only did the plague create hardship in many parts of the country in terms of attitude and lifestyle, but it also created good for the economy by creating jobs. Bubonic plague is an illness caused by a bacterial infection caused by Yesinia petitis. This bacteria comes from rat fleas. Rats carry the bacteria in their digestive tract which would then travel to the fleas without harming them. When the rats die, the fleas move to another rat and when that rat is bitten, it also becomes infected with the bacteria. The disease killed about two-thirds of infected humans within four days of becoming infected. Bubonic plague is a derivative of the Greek word “βουβών” which means groin. The meaning of the Greek word is that the disease causes swelling of the lymph nodes in the armpits and groin. The infection comes from fleas found on animals, particularly small rodents. A frequently asked question is: what is the difference between the bubonic plague and the Black Death? The plague was the cause of the Black Death in Europe in the 14th century. The signs and symptoms of this illness are very similar to those of the flu. The most common symptom, as noted earlier, is swollen lymph nodes in the groin and armpits, which can become very painful. These areas of swollen lymph nodes are often the areas where the person was bitten. Other symptoms observed were muscle cramps, chills, high fever, seizures, vomiting, fatigue and skin breakdown. A more serious symptom middle of paper......if anything could be done to try and prevent the plague from happening, the only thing a country could do was be as prepared as possible. What's scary is knowing that the plague could happen again if it wanted to. As previously reported, approximately 15 people in the United States are still infected each year. If we are not safe, it could completely change the United States and change everyone's lives. Works cited Patrick, GNp, nd November 17, 2013. “Plague”. Black Death n.pag. National Geographic. Internet. November 17, 2013. https://science.nationalgeographic.com/science/health-and-human-body/human-disease/plague-article/> “Black Death.” Wikipedia: the free encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., date of last update (November 21, 2013). Internet. Consultation date (November 25 2013).