Armchair Dragoons Forums

The Reference Desk => History and Tall Tales => Topic started by: besilarius on July 04, 2021, 09:39:41 AM

Title: An old killer may return
Post by: besilarius on July 04, 2021, 09:39:41 AM

https://www.strategypage.com/articles/smallpox/3.asp

Hope that everyone has a good Fourth.
On that cheery note, a new concern has arisen
Around 1900, there was a smallpox epidemic in Siberia.  It is a possibility that there are frozen corpses on the tundra.
With global warming, the permafrost is thawing.  That could release smallpox on a totally unprepared world.  Just like in the zombie movies.
Enjoy some apple pie.

Title: Re: An old killer may return
Post by: Staggerwing on July 04, 2021, 09:55:26 AM

Smallpox is spread in airborne droplets by coughing or sneezing. Those corpses really would have to be zombies to pass on their virus.

Barring any local substandard pathology lab practices, that is.

Siberia?... oh, wait...

Title: Re: An old killer may return
Post by: Martok on July 05, 2021, 03:39:24 AM

A cheery thought indeed...