Plague.

Successful treatment of plaque depends on early diagnosis, institution of effective antibiotics (streptomycin, chloramphenicol, tetracycline or gentamicin) and adequate supportive care. To reduce mortality, therapy should be started in patients suspected of having plague while diagnostic procedures are under way. If persons with acute febrile illness (especially regional lymphadenitis) have been in plague-endemic areas within the week preceding the onset of illness, the diagnosis of plague should be considered.