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Oct 12, 1492
Smallpox, measles, mumps, influenza, and whooping cough
Old World to New World
All of these diseases were unknowingly introduced by sailors who were immune to them. However, the natives were not naturally immune so they were dangerous to the natives. Outcomes: 80-90% of the native population decimated within the first 100-150 years following 1492. Sources: The Columbian Exchange: Yale Economics -
Jan 1, 1494
Syphilis
New World to Old World:
Slave traders carried yellow feber back to Europe. European traders brought syphilis from the Americas. The disease-causing agent originated in the new world and spread by Christopher Columbus and his crew through sexual contact. Outcome: It was fatal in the beginning, but through time it became less fatal. Sources: The Columbian Exchange: Yale Economics. -
Malaria and Yellow Fever
Old World to New World
Malaria and yellow fever were brought to the Americas from Africa by the Atlantic slave trade. They were brought to the isthmus of central america by Europeans and Africans post-columbus. Outcomes: Starvation, rebellion and wars. Sources: Malaria.com