Black Death

Definition

The Black Death was a devastating global epidemic of bubonic plague that struck Europe and Asia in the mid-1300s. It was caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, which was transmitted through fleas on rats.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Yersinia pestis is a gram-negative bacterium responsible for causing the Black Death.
2. The Black Death led to the death of an estimated 25-30 million people in Europe, nearly one-third of its population.
3. Symptoms included fever, chills, vomiting, diarrhea, terrible aches and pains—and then death.
4. Transmission occurred through flea bites and direct contact with infected tissues or fluids.
5. The pandemic had significant social, economic, and cultural impacts on European society.

Review Questions

• What bacterium caused the Black Death?
• How was Yersinia pestis primarily transmitted during the Black Death?
• What were some of the major societal impacts of the Black Death?

Related terms

Yersinia_pestis: A gram-negative bacterium that causes bubonic plague.

Bubonic_plague: An infectious disease characterized by swollen lymph nodes (buboes), fever, and tissue necrosis.

Pandemic: A widespread outbreak of an infectious disease affecting large numbers of people across multiple countries or continents.