The Black Death (1346-1353)

Notable Pandemics

The Black Death, also known as the bubonic plague, was devastating and caused many deaths. The plague was though to have originated over 2000 years ago and was spread through trading ships; it entered Europe in roughly 1346 through a trade ship, many of the sailors onboard did not survive due to the plague. Scientists discovered that the plague was spread by a bacillus called Yersina pestis, this can be transmitted from person to person through the air; it also is found in black rats and fleas. The symptoms were severe: blood and pus oozed out of individuals suffering from the bubonic plague, they had fevers, chills, vomiting, diarrhea, alone with aches and pains; once symptoms passed, the plague can cause death. It was discovered that the plague effected the lymphatic system and if it was left untreated the plague could spread to the lungs or blood. It is unknown how many people died from the black death, however it is estimated to be around 25 million people.