The pathogen responsible for these three pandemics has been exclusively attributed to Yersinia pestis, according to high-throughput genome sequencing using ancient human remains ( 3, 4). Plague caused three major outbreaks in human history, changing the path of our civilization. Unfortunately, most modern clinical doctors neglect this notorious disease, although it is also a select agent with bioterrorism potential ( 2). Movement was also monitored within the country – travellers into London from outside counties were prohibited if there was known to be plague in their area.Although plague is not common, it remains clinically important because natural plague foci are widely distributed throughout the world ( 1). Merchants were kept at the port of Rye and were prohibited from entering the city, and all goods were to be aired in order not to transport infection. By 1580 shipping was heavily monitored, and crews and passengers were quarantined either on board their vessels or in the port where they had disembarked. In 1539 plague struck London again and houses were to be incarcerated for 40 days – the typical quarantine period stipulated in 14th-century Venice. To mark their health they were meant to carry a white rod, which if they forgot would incur a fine or even imprisonment. Only one uninfected person was allowed out of the house, in order to buy provisions for the sick or healing. Inhabitants were to stay indoors for one month after the death or infection of anyone in the building. In 1563, when plague struck again (as the disease did most years, although some outbreaks were more severe than others), the lord mayor ordered that blue crosses should be attached to doors of houses that held anyone infected with plague over the past week. (Photo by: Christophel Fine Art/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) Saint Francois praying during a plague epidemic.
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