New evidence of origin of the black death a ‘complete surprise’ experts say (opens original article in a new tab)

New evidence from Siberian graves shows the plague existed 5,500 years ago, challenging previous beliefs about its origins and showing it was more lethal to children than previously thought. The study suggests the disease originated in central/northeastern Asia and was present in prehistoric hunter-gatherers.

• Ancient Siberian graves show plague DNA from 5,500 years ago, older than previously thought
• Plague strains from that time were more lethal to children and lacked a gene for efficient flea transmission
• Study suggests plague originated in central/northeastern Asia and was present in prehistoric hunter-gatherers