disease – Plagues and Peoples: Health and Disease in Medieval Europe

Hansen’s Disease

By Stephen C. Hansen’s Disease has affected people all throughout human history. According to the CDC, the disease is an infection “caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium leprae,” that can take up to twenty years to cause physical symptoms.[1] Hansen’s Disease is also known as “leprosy,” though in 1873 it was renamed after the scientist who discovered the bacteria.[2]

Syphilis

By Steve E. Syphilis is a bacterial infection usually spread by sexual contact. Caused by the Treponema pallidumbacterium, the disease starts as a painless sore in the genital area, spreading from person to person via contact with these sores.[1] Currently, early syphilis can be treated with penicillin. Without receiving treatment, syphilis can damage your heart, brain, andContinue reading “Syphilis”

The Columbian Exchange

By Nicole M. Around 175 million years ago, Pangea, a “supercontinent” made up of all the modern continents existed. This “supercontinent” eventually broke apart, creating two ecologically, biologically, and culturally diverse worlds. Europe, Asia and Africa were on one side, and the Americas on the other. Neither side knew the other existed until 1492. A merchant, ChristopherContinue reading “The Columbian Exchange”

Modern Plague

By Sophia G. Though revolutionary modern technology and protocols have helped to combat the spread of plagues and epidemics, there are still parts of the world that experience outbreaks of disease. The United States Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC) releases their peer-reviewed journal Emerging Infectious Diseaseswith each case of disease outbreak around the world,Continue reading “Modern Plague”

The Plague of Justinian

By John O. The “Plague of Justinian” is the name given to the disease that spread throughoutthe Eastern Roman Empire from 541-543 CE. It is named as such because it occurred during the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I (r. 527-565 CE), amidst his efforts to restore the glory of the Roman Empire.[1] Widespread militaryContinue reading “The Plague of Justinian”