Black Death is a disease that affected millions of people in the fourteenth century. The disease, formally called Bubonic Plague, is caused by the Yersinia Pestis bacterium. In the 1300s, the Plague affected more than 60% of the European population. ("Plague "). Death during this time was very common and eventually people lost interest in having relationships with one another (Boccaccio). Plague is especially intriguing because of its means of transmission, the effects it had on culture, and the methods of treatment during that time period.
Plague is mostly transmitted by a flea or rodent bite. The fleas bite an infected rodent, usually a black rat, and accumulate bacteria in their stomachs. Over time, the rats all become contaminated and die. The fleas, looking for food, turn to humans as a source. They bite the human, therefore injecting bacteria into their bloodstream. Today, squirrels, chipmunks, mice, and other small rodents can carry plague ("Plague "). Because of this, it makes plague very infectious and dangerous. .
Bubonic Plague is a disease that killed millions of people in the Middle Ages. According to some historians, there were not enough survivors to bury the dead. Plague was epidemic and disastrous in Africa, Asia, and especially Europe ("Plague "). In the 1300s, anyone who was still alive was terrified of dying. They ran away, hid out in their houses, and avoided all sick people (Boccaccio). This was especially apparent in the town of Florence, Italy. They would lock themselves in their houses for long periods of time to avoid getting the Plague. They barely ate and would not let anyone into their homes. They would not see anyone they know and lived in complete isolation. In addition, they refused to be alerted of the death or sickness of another member of the community because they simply did not care anymore (Giblin). Some people were convinced that being reckless was the best way to stay healthy.
