Topic 4.4
What was the plague, and how did it impact society?
The plague was one of the most devastating pandemics in history, wiping out millions across Europe in the 14th century. Known for its painful symptoms and high mortality rates, the plague took various forms, including bubonic, pneumonic and septicaemic.
The Plague
The plague is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, which is spread by fleas on black rats. This disease mainly kills children, as their immune systems are still developing.
It killed over 50 million people in Europe from 1347-1364
There are different varieties of the plague bacterium caused by a natural variation in their genes. We also see this variation in humans in many ways, such as hair and eye colour. Different environments may be more suited to one type than another. This means that in some places, one kind of plague bacterium will thrive, and the other variations will decrease in number.
Bubonic Plague
The bubonic plague was a painful disease with black buboes, or swellings, in the groin and armpits. There seemed to be some chance of surviving if the buboes burst. The percentage of people who died, often referred to as the “mortality rate”, was 50%.
Pneumonic Plague
The pneumonic plague was a variant that attacked the lungs. Victims died quickly, in one or two days. The mortality rate in this case was 90%.
Septicaemic Plague
Another variant was the septicaemic plague, which infected the blood. Again, victims died quickly, and the mortality rate was close to 100%.
Management of the Plague
Doctors thought the plague was caused by “bad air” and wore masks filled with sweet-smelling herbs to avoid catching the disease.
As we know, people usually get the plague when they are bitten by a flea infected with the plague bacteria. People can also become infected from direct contact with infected tissues or fluids while handling a sick animal or has died from the plague.
Finally, people can become infected from inhaling respiratory droplets after close contact with infected humans and animals.
Why are diseases different today?
There is no quick answer to this question. Many scientists agree that animals first spread most new diseases.
Other theories include:
- The climate is getting warmer, making it easier for insects to spread the disease.
- People travel more; as they do, they take their germs with them.
- Most people now live close together in big cities where they are in contact with more people.
- More people are living in previously wild areas – perhaps it is our fault for encroaching on these areas.
What do you think?