Plague; The Black Death

                First Recorded Pandemic 

  The first recorded pandemic in the history was the plague. The first Plague pandemic was called the Plague of Justinian. It emerged between the 6th and 7th centuries. It is also believed that this plague pandemic killed lest 40% of the Constantinople population. Some historians also believe that almost half of the population of Europe died due to this pandemic. The black death (second plague pandemic) emerged in the 1300s killing almost 70% population of England.

The Second Plague Pandemic 

The second plague pandemic emerged in the 1300s in China and other areas near the silk route. According to an estimate, the second plague pandemic or black death reduced the world population to 350 million from 450 million. This statistical data shows almost 100 million people died due to black death. The ratio of its virulence still remained and some cases of plague were even reported in the 19th century. In the 19th century, the plague was replaced by another pandemic disease Cholera. Plague still causes certain sporadic cases. 

What is Plague? 

The plague is caused by a bacterium Yersinia pestis, and it can infect humans by several forms (septicemic, pneumonia and bubonic). The most common reported symptom was the appearance of buboes in the groin, neck, and armpits. These buboes oozed pus and blood when ruptured. These primary symptoms were followed by secondary symptoms like acute fever and bloody vomits. The infected individuals were likely to be dead within 7 days. 

The Black Death: 

The black death according to Arab Historians originated from Mongolia and its neighboring regions. The Chinese historical documents also prove the emergence. This disease rapidly transferred to Europe and Asia Minor within months and spread to Russia. It affected lower-class residents more likely, killing each and every person it contacted. The black death had a drastic impact on Europe's economy. This pandemic never turned to endemic in history. The great fire of London is considered for the eradication of the plague, as it killed rats and their ecosystem. Rats were considered vectors for the plague. It almost killed 100 million people all over the world.