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Miscellaneous => The Sallyport => Topic started by: Sir Brian on 2011-09-02, 14:06:34

Title: Black Death - The real one.
Post by: Sir Brian on 2011-09-02, 14:06:34

Here is an interesting news story about the Black Death in the Mid 14th C England. It's curious when they compared it to the death toll of the outbreak in the early 1900s in India, suggesting that the modern strain was a less virulent one.  ???
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/30/science/30plague.html?_r=1 (http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/30/science/30plague.html?_r=1)

Title: Re: Black Death - The real one.
Post by: Sir William on 2011-09-06, 15:34:51

As overpopulated as this globe is, we could use a good pandemic to thin the ranks, so to speak.  Of course, I would be overwrought should any of mine fall to it so I guess I'd rather it didn't.

Title: Re: Black Death - The real one.
Post by: Sir Ancelyn on 2011-10-07, 13:44:14

It makes sense really. There were 2-4 main Smallpox strains right up into the early 70's. The last natural cases reported were of the least virulent one, the one with the highest chances of survival.

So why not 2-3 main strains of Yersinis pestis?

Alternatively, given the general state of nutrition and hygene a few centuries ago a disease which seems weak to us now could have had more leeway to be a problem.

Title: Re: Black Death - The real one.
Post by: Sir William on 2011-10-07, 16:15:03

Sir Ancelyn, haven't seen you in a while...good to see you around!

Title: Re: Black Death - The real one.
Post by: Sir Ancelyn on 2011-10-08, 01:11:32

Thanks Sir William.

Title: Re: Black Death - The real one.
Post by: Sir Wolf on 2011-10-08, 01:24:42

i once wrote a paper of the plague that came out in the 1600s (i think) that's been like 15+ years ago heheh
there were lots of plagues