In 1347 the Bubonic Plague, or the 'Black Death' as it was more commonly known, left a catastrophic death toll. The disease started in central Asia but spread with immense speed and quickly engulfed Europe as well. The disease gave the infected boils in their groin or armpit and black spots from internal hemorrhaging. The death toll in Europe was estimated to have been around 30 million people. To this day, the Bubonic Plague is one of the worst diseases that ever afflicted Europe. (Davies 409-412) Here is a YouTube video that gives more information on the Bubonic Plague.
Scientists and the media are always talking about the potential for a new disease or virus that could be catastrophic to the human race. Off the top of my head I can list, Bird Flu, SARS, HIV/AIDS, or a strand of influenza that cannot be stopped. There are many more I am sure. With today's medical knowledge it is hard for me to believe that an infection could really do substantial damage. However, I think I have a false sense of security. Through my 19 years of existence I have never had to deal with anything even close to the Black Death. With our advancements in medical science, I've always felt that we are safe from a nation or world wide pandemic ever happening again. In reality, however, it is very plausible. I found an online museum exhibit that talks about epidemics in the past, ones that are currently plaguing us currently such as malaria and Ebola, and epidemics that are possible in the future. It is scary to think that a disease or virus might one day wipe out a large portion of the human race. I hope that day never comes.
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I have never really considered the idea that a disease such as the black plague could occur again. I too have always assumed that it wouldn't happen because of the great medical improvements we've made through the years. I've never encountered any illness where I couldn't just go to the doctor's or the store to get medicine for. It's a scary thought to think about.
Yeah reading about the plague made me want to vomit. Total gross out. So I read the other day that they've actually just concluded studies that traces AIDS back over 100 years ago. Ya know, 'cause they thought that it was from like the '80s or something, didn't they? Anyway, your post made me remember that and I thought it might be worth sharing...
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