Disease Transmission by Rats During World War I: Plague, Typhus & Cholera

Plague: The plague is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium *Yersinia pestis*. It is transmitted by fleas that live on rats. The plague can cause fever, chills, swelling of the lymph nodes (buboes), and death.

Typhus: Typhus is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium *Rickettsia prowazekii*. It is transmitted by lice that live on humans. Typhus can cause fever, headache, rash, and death.

Cholera: Cholera is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium *Vibrio cholerae*. It is transmitted through contaminated water or food. Cholera can cause severe diarrhea and vomiting, leading to dehydration and death.

Dysentery: Dysentery is a bacterial infection of the intestines caused by bacteria such as *Shigella* or *Entamoeba histolytica*. It is transmitted through contaminated water or food. Dysentery can cause severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever.

Yellow fever: Yellow fever is a viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes. It can cause fever, jaundice, bleeding, and death.