6 Mysterious Disease Outbreaks Through History

SciShow・2 minutes read

Epidemiologists study past outbreaks to understand how epidemics start and counteract them, with examples like the devastating "Great Dying" in Massachusetts and Rhode Island in the 17th century and the mysterious cocoliztli outbreaks in 16th century Mexico. The search for the exact pathogens responsible for historical outbreaks continues, with challenges like acidic soils hindering DNA testing, leaving room for further research to shed light on major disease outbreaks over time.

Insights

  • The study of past epidemics by epidemiologists provides crucial insights into the origins of disease outbreaks and strategies for prevention and containment, highlighting the devastating impact of epidemics on various populations throughout history.
  • The lack of definitive evidence due to environmental factors hindering DNA testing in specific regions, such as acidic soils preventing the preservation of remains, poses challenges in identifying pathogens responsible for historical epidemics, underscoring the importance of further research and evidence gathering to enhance our understanding of past disease outbreaks and their implications for public health.

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Recent questions

  • What are some common symptoms of historical epidemics?

    Symptoms of historical epidemics included yellowed skin, fevers, nosebleeds, skin lesions, intestinal distress, black tongues, black urine, and death toll estimates ranging from 30% to 90%.

  • What is the suspected cause of the "Great Dying" in Massachusetts and Rhode Island?

    The suspected cause of the "Great Dying" in Massachusetts and Rhode Island is leptospirosis, an unconventional suspect due to similar symptoms in recent outbreaks.

  • What pathogen was linked to the cocoliztli outbreaks in 16th century Mexico?

    The cocoliztli outbreaks in 16th century Mexico were linked to Salmonella causing paratyphoid fever, although the exact pathogen remains debated.

  • What caused the Justinian Plague in Constantinople during the 6th century?

    The Justinian Plague in Constantinople during the 6th century was caused by Yersinia pestis, different from the Black Death strain.

  • What led to the decline of mega-settlements during the Neolithic period?

    The decline of mega-settlements during the Neolithic period was possibly due to overpopulation, resource depletion, conflicts, or disease outbreaks like the plague, supported by DNA evidence from a mass grave in Sweden dating back to 3000 BCE.

Related videos

Summary

00:00

Epidemiologists Uncover Historical Epidemic Mysteries

  • Epidemiologists study past outbreaks to understand how epidemics start and counteract them.
  • The "Great Dying" in Massachusetts and Rhode Island in the 17th century devastated the Wampanoag Nation.
  • The disease caused symptoms like yellowed skin, fevers, nosebleeds, and skin lesions, with death toll estimates ranging from 30% to 90%.
  • Leptospirosis is an unconventional suspect for the Wampanoag epidemic due to similar symptoms in recent outbreaks.
  • The acidic soils in the region have prevented the preservation of remains, hindering DNA testing to pinpoint the pathogen.
  • The cocoliztli outbreaks in 16th century Mexico killed millions, with symptoms like fevers, intestinal distress, black tongues, and black urine.
  • A 2018 study linked cocoliztli to Salmonella causing paratyphoid fever, but the exact pathogen remains debated.
  • The Justinian Plague in Constantinople during the 6th century was caused by Yersinia pestis, different from the Black Death strain.
  • The Antonine Plague in the Roman Empire in 165 AD likely caused by smallpox, leading to significant deaths and economic decline.
  • The Plague of Athens in 430 BCE described by Thucydides led to widespread fear and panic, with potential pathogens including typhoid fever and ebola.

11:20

Neolithic Mega-settlements Disappear: Epidemic Suspected

  • Mega-settlements from 4000 to 3000 BCE disappeared during the Neolithic Decline, possibly due to overpopulation, resource depletion, conflicts, or disease outbreaks like the plague, supported by DNA evidence from a mass grave in Sweden dating back to 3000 BCE.
  • Further evidence is needed to confirm if an epidemic caused the sudden population decline during the Neolithic period, with the potential to add this event to epidemiological case studies, offering insights into disease cycles and the factors influencing major disease outbreaks over time.
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