1. Health

Bubonic Plague Pictures: Foot Gangrene

Photos of Bubonic Plague Infections and Transmission

From , former About.com Guide

Updated November 10, 2010

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Foot gangrene

Foot gangrene caused by bubonic plague

Photo courtesy of the CDC
Bubonic plague infection causes tiny blood vessels in the feet and toes to clog up and cut off circulation. Without blood, the flesh dies and turns black (called "gangrene"). This is why in the Middle Ages bubonic plague was called "the Black Death."

©2012 About.com. All rights reserved.

A part of The New York Times Company.

We comply with the HONcode standard
for trustworthy health
information: verify here.