The Black Death in the Middle Ages killed millions. Its symptoms were painful, unpleasant swelling under the arm. Sometimes blood oozed out of the neck, armpits and groins. Also the sufferer may develop a high fever and would probably die in the next forty-eight hours or so. Medieval medicine or charms etc normally did not work. Some Priests led wiping processions as they believedthat the plague was caused by god as a way of punishing them. They believed that by punishing them the plague might bypass them; obviously this was all nonsense. More practical methods were herb scented vinegar which having said medieval cures were useless this one did have some affect as it contained powerful antiseptic.