leprosy
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Leprosy in Medieval England Probably Came From Red Squirrels
Medieval residents of Winchester, England, probably got their leprosy from red squirrels in the area, according to a team of archaeologists and geneticists that studied remains from two archaeological sites in the city. Leprosy—officially Hansen’s disease—is a highly contagious disease that can cause nerve damage, paralysis, and blindness if not treated, according to the Centers…
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Genetic Analysis Suggests Squirrels Contributed To The Global Spread Of Leprosy
Leprosy is one of the oldest known diseases to afflict humans, yet its origin is mired in controversy. A new study, in which 10 strains of the disease were detected in the remains of medieval Europeans, is now complicating the picture even further by pointing to western Europe as a potential launching point for leprosy.…
