Recent research reveals that strains of the plague were lethal to humans 5,500 years ago, predating the infamous Black Death. This challenges the long-held belief that significant plague outbreaks began only in medieval times, suggesting that the disease was already a serious threat in small hunter-gatherer communities.
The study, which analysed ancient DNA from cemeteries in East Siberia, found that nearly 40% of individuals tested carried Yersinia pestis, the bacterium responsible for plague. This detection rate surpasses that of some medieval plague pits, indicating that early outbreaks may have been just as deadly, particularly for children and young adolescents.
Researchers discovered that these ancient strains possessed unique virulence factors, making them highly lethal even before the bacterium developed efficient flea-borne transmission. This finding not only alters our understanding of the plague’s history but also suggests that it may have originated in Central or North-East Asia, spreading through interactions with local wildlife.
The implications of this research extend beyond historical curiosity; it raises awareness about the potential for ancient pathogens to re-emerge and affect modern populations. Understanding the evolution of such diseases can inform current public health strategies and preparedness against future outbreaks.
Source: Metro
