From Science Alert: "Study Confirms: Syphilis Was Active in The Americas Long Before Columbus." An excerpt:
It seems syphilis became more virulent at some point before Columbus arrived – and then at the end of the 15th century, as settlers started returning to Europe, it set off the so-called Great Pox explosion of the disease that swept across the continent and left widespread death and disfigurement in its wake.
"The data clearly support a root in the Americas for syphilis and its known relatives, and their introduction to Europe starting in the late 15th century is most consistent with the data," says Bos.
Together with the related yaws, pinta, and bejel, syphilis is in a small group of conditions known as treponemal diseases. This research backs up the idea that these diseases are the modern-day results of ancient pathogens circulating in the Americas.
Heh. They can take that "accomplishment" from Columbus.
ReplyDeleteBingo.
ReplyDeleteThere is evidence of population collapse in the Americas prior to Columbus, so we may see other similar findings. For instance, there are researchers who believe that TB from the Incan Empire contributed to population declines in the Amazon.
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