B is for Bubonic Plague
The bubonic plague (Also known as The Black Death) is one of three types of plague caused by the bacteria Yersinia pestis. It can spread through contact with infected fleas.
One to seven days after exposure to the bacteria, flu-like symptoms develop. These symptoms include fever, headaches, and vomiting chills, fatigue, and muscle aches.
Symptoms also include swollen and painful lymph nodes occuring in the area closest to where the bacteria entered the skin, (which can be as large as chicken eggs) in the groin, armpit, or neck. They may be tender and warm.
Bubonic plague requires urgent hospital treatment with strong antibiotics.
The A-B-C-Disease Series is located along the newest section of The City of Middletown’s Reservoir Trails. This section is situated between two parking areas so if you plan carefully, with two cars you only have to hike one way (approximately 1.5 miles). The terrain difficulty of the trail ranges from a 2.0 to about a 4.0. and offers some scenic areas to visit. All of the containers for the series are Pill Bottles to go with the theme.
The City of Middletown, working with The Trust for Public Land, has opened up its 1,250-acre watershed for public access and has developed plans to turn it into a vibrant community public space.
About The Reservoir Trails ...
Just minutes from downtown Middletown, you can experience a nearby wilderness as you walk, run, or bike on over eight and a half miles of woods roads and trails. Visitors take-in stunning views of Monhagen Reservoir, Highland Reservoir, and Shawangunk Reservoir, which have provided clean drinking water to local residents since the 1860s. This forested watershed includes century-old stands of white pines that create a shady and peaceful retreat. During your visit you may see deer, foxes, and maybe even a black bear!