Health
Researchers find earliest confirmed case of smallpox – The Guardian
Variola virus DNA found in bones of people from Denmark to Russia around Viking era
The Vikings are known for their intrepid seafaring, fearsome fighting and extensive trading, but it seems it may not only have been goods and weapons they carried on their travels they could also have carried a deadly disease.
Researchers say they have found the worlds earliest confirmed case of smallpox, revealing the disease was widespread across northern Europe during the Viking age.
I think it is fair to assume the Vikings have been the superspreaders, said Eske Willerslev, professor of ec…
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