Many diseases claim people's lives every day. The bubonic plague was a major epidemic that killed approximately 25 million people across Europe during the 14th century. Not only did the plague create hardship in the country in many areas due to attitude and lifestyle, but it also created something positive for the economy by creating jobs. Bubonic plague is a disease resulting from a bacterial infection caused by Yesinia petitis. This bacterium comes from rat fleas. Rats carry the bacteria in their digestive tract which would then travel to the fleas without harming them. When rats die, the fleas move to another rat and when this one is bitten, it also becomes infected with the bacteria. The disease killed approximately two-thirds of infected humans within four days of their infection. Bubonic plague comes from the Greek word “βουβών” meaning groin. The meaning of the Greek word is that the disease causes swelling of the lymph nodes in the armpits and groin area. The infection comes from fleas found on animals, especially small rodents. A common question that is asked is: What is the difference between the bubonic plague and the Black Death? The plague is the cause of the Black Death in Europe in the 14th century. The signs and symptoms of this disease are very similar to those of the flu. The most common symptom, as mentioned before, is swollen lymph nodes in the groin and armpit area which can become very painful. These areas of swollen lymph nodes are often the areas where the person was bitten. Other symptoms that occurred were muscle cramps, chills, high fever, seizures, vomiting, fatigue, skin breakdown. A more serious symptom from... middle of paper... what could be done to try to prevent the plague from occurring, the only thing a country could do was be as prepared as possible. The scary part about the plague is knowing that it could happen again if it wanted to. As previously stated, there are still approximately 15 people in the United States who become infected each year. If we were not safe, it could completely change the United States and change everyone's lives. Works Cited Patrick, GNp, n.d. 17 November 2013. . "Plague". Black Death n.pag. National geographic. Network. 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., last updated (November 21, 2013). Network. Access date (November 25 2013).