Study finds European colonists introduced smallpox to South America
Scientists have found direct molecular evidence confirming that European colonists introduced smallpox to South America. Researchers recovered the first ancient smallpox genomes from human remains in Chile, revealing strains belonging to a now-extinct lineage that branched from European strains around 1296. The analysis showed that the virus adapted to human hosts until the mid-16th century, then remained stable for 200 years. This discovery provides concrete proof of how smallpox, brought by colonists, devastated Indigenous populations in the Americas.
Key Points
- Direct molecular evidence confirms European colonists introduced smallpox to South America.
- Ancient smallpox genomes were recovered from human remains in Chile.
- The strains belonged to an extinct lineage that diverged from European strains around 1296.
- The virus adapted to human hosts until the mid-16th century and remained stable for 200 years.
- This finding provides concrete proof of the historical impact of smallpox on Indigenous populations.
Exam Facts
- Location of remains: Chile, South America.
- Virus: Smallpox.
- Lineage divergence: around 1296.
- Adaptation period: until mid-16th century.
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