For example, a wide but shallow lake with a depth of 3 m (10 ft) exerts only half the average pressure that a small 6 m (20 ft) deep pond does. (The total force applied to the longer dam will be greater, due to the greater total surface area for the pressure to act upon. But for a given 5-foot (1.5 m)-wide section of each dam, the 10 ft (3.0 m) deep water will apply one quarter the force of 20 ft (6.1 m) deep water). A person will feel the same pressure whether their head is dunked a metre beneath the surface of the water in a small pool or to the same depth in the middle of a large lake. If four vases contain different amounts of water but are all filled to equal depths, then a fish with its head dunked a few centimetres under the surface will be acted on by water pressure that is the same in any of the vases. If the fish swims a few centimetres deeper, the pressure on the fish will increase with depth and be the same no matter which vase the fish is in. If the fish swims to the bottom, the pressure will be greater, but it makes no difference what vase it is in. All vases are filled to equal depths, so the water pressure is the same at the bottom of each vase, regardless of its shape or volume.
Outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, or hunting where plague-infected animals may be found, increase the risk of contracting septicemic plague, and so do certain occupations such as veterinary or other animal-related work. Diagnosis
A doctor or veterinarian will perform a physical exam which includes asking about the medical history and possible sources of exposure. The following possible test could include:

Blood samples (detecting antibodies)
Culture samples of body fluids (check for the bacteria Yersinia pestis)
Kidney and liver testing
Checking lymphatic system for signs of infection
Examining body fluids for abnormal signs
Checking for swelling
Checking for signs of dehydration
Checking for fever
Checking for lung infection

Prevention
The following steps and precautions should be used to avoid infection of the septicemic plague:
Caregivers of infected patients should wear masks, gloves, goggles and gowns
Take antibiotics if close contact with infected patient has occurred
Use insecticides throughout house
Avoid contact with dead rodents or sick cats
Set traps if mice or rats are present around the house
Do not allow family pets to roam in areas where plague is common
Flea control and treatment for animals (especially rodents)

Treatment
Starting antibiotics early is a first step in treating septicemic plague in humans. One of the following antibiotics may be used:
Streptomycin
Gentamicin
Tetracycline or Doxycycline
Chloramphenicol
CiprofloxacinLymph nodes may require draining and the patient will need close monitoring.In animals, antibiotics such as tetracycline or doxycycline can be used. Intravenous drip may be used to assist in dehydration scenarios. Flea treatment can also be used. In some cases euthanasia may be the best option for treatment and to prevent further spreading. Prognosis
Untreated septicemic plague is almost always fatal.