Diseases In The Fourteenth Century

Throughout fourteenth century Europe and likewise the present century, disease is a common thing. However, in the present day scientific advances in medicine and science have aided those significantly in the combat against these diseases. To begin with, diseases like those of the Bubonic Plague and SARS originated from virus/bacteria, and only surfaced when exposed. The Bubonic Plague is caused by a bacterium identified as Yersinia pestis, or Y pestis. It was first discovered in the province of Yunnan in China during 1334. “…the bacterium Yersinia pestis began its long march westward…” (Source 1, lines 9-10). SARS, on the other hand, was simply a part of the common cold family. Also recognized as severe acute respiratory syndrome, it caused lots of havoc …show more content…
For instance, the bacterium causing the plague is famous for residing in fleas, which in turn bite the livestock and pass it onto individuals. Those diseases such as SARS and Influenza in comparison are transmitted through the air and also open to infection if surfaces have those bacteria on them, “When an infected person coughed or sneezed, tiny particles of SARS virus were expelled…” (Source 2, lines 18-19). Furthermore, disease prevention is of utmost importance. While all diseases have in common the basis of keeping clean, sometimes one must take desperate measures to be kept in good health. The SARS virus is easily transmitted during air travel, as such a small space makes it easy for small particles to be absorbed by others. Surfaces contaminated with SARS bacteria must also be avoided to prevent the transportation of the virus. On the other hand, Influenza must be prevented with an updated immunization, and of course well-kempt hygiene. In conclusion, the existence of medicine in the present time has proved to be one of the sole reasons the population is still alive and strong compared to fourteenth century Europe and the