Which of the following statements about the symptoms of pneumonic plague is incorrect?

The statement regarding the typical presentation of pneumonic plague that indicates skin ulcers is incorrect. Pneumonic plague is characterized primarily by respiratory symptoms, which include fever and a severe cough. The infection occurs when the bacterium Yersinia pestis infects the lungs, leading to symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, and a productive cough that may produce sputum.

Skin ulcers are not a common symptom of pneumonic plague; such manifestations may be more aligned with bubonic or septicemic plague where the infection affects other parts of the body. Additionally, pneumonic plague can progress quickly, leading to respiratory failure if not treated promptly, making the option referencing its rapid onset accurate.

Overall, the focus on respiratory symptoms, rather than skin manifestations, highlights the specific nature of pneumonic plague and distinguishes it from other forms of plague caused by the same bacterium.