Plague Victim's Near-Death Experience Highlights Rare But Deadly Disease

Lucinda Marker experienced a sudden and severe illness that caused high fever, headache, and uncontrollable chills, a condition she recognized when she heard of a laboratory technician's suspected death from plague in Russia. Marker and her husband, John Tull, were the first people diagnosed with bubonic plague in New York City in a century when they contracted the disease in 2002.

The illness, caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, can strike rapidly and is characterized by flu-like symptoms. In severe cases, it can lead to organ failure and death if not treated promptly with antibiotics. Marker's experience, though rare, underscores the potential severity of the plague.

Marker's husband, John Tull, suffered particularly severe complications, requiring the amputation of both his feet. He also needed further surgery to reshape his legs to accommodate prosthetic devices. The couple's ordeal led them to begin writing a book together about their experience, a project Marker is now completing.

The plague, often associated with historical pandemics, remains a threat in certain regions globally. While outbreaks are infrequent, they can be devastating. The story of Lucinda Marker and John Tull serves as a potent reminder of the disease's capacity for destruction and the importance of swift medical intervention.