What were the different forms of the Black Death?

The Black Death, also known as the Bubonic Plague, had three main forms: bubonic, septicemic, and pneumonic.

1. Bubonic Plague: This was the most common form of the Black Death. It was transmitted through fleas that infested black rats. The symptoms included painful, swollen lymph nodes called buboes, high fever, chills, fatigue, and body aches. Bubonic plague had a mortality rate of around 30-60%.

2. Septicemic Plague: This form of the Black Death occurred when the bacteria entered the bloodstream directly, bypassing the lymph nodes. It was often a result of untreated bubonic plague. Symptoms included fever, chills, extreme weakness, abdominal pain, and bleeding under the skin. Septicemic plague had a very high mortality rate, often leading to death within a few days.

3. Pneumonic Plague: This was the most deadly and contagious form of the Black Death. It affected the lungs and was transmitted through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughed or sneezed. Pneumonic plague had symptoms such as severe cough, difficulty breathing, chest pain, and bloody sputum. It had a mortality rate of nearly 100% if left untreated.

These different forms of the Black Death spread rapidly throughout Europe and Asia during the 14th century, causing one of the deadliest pandemics in human history.