What Are the Buboes

Buboes are a symptom of bubonic plague, and occur as painful swellings in the thighs, neck, groin or armpits. They are caused by Yersinia pestis bacteria spreading from flea bites through the bloodstream to the lymph nodes, where the bacteria replicate, causing the nodes to swell.

What did the buboes look like?

A large, swollen, red lymph node (bubo) in the armpit (axillary) of a person with bubonic plague. Symptoms of the plague are severe and include a general weak and achy feeling, headache, shaking chills, fever, and pain and swelling in affected regional lymph nodes (buboes).

What are the 3 plagues?

Plague is divided into three main types — bubonic, septicemic and pneumonic — depending on which part of your body is involved. Signs and symptoms vary depending on the type of plague.