Black Death Mortality: 75–200 Million Deaths (25–50% of Europe)

The Black Death (1347–1351), caused by Yersinia pestis, killed an estimated 75 to 200 million people across Eurasia and North Africa.

European Impact

• Population ~80 million pre‑plague.
• Death toll 25–50% (some regions >60%).
• Cities lost 30–70% of inhabitants.

Transmission

• Primarily flea‑borne (rat → human) – bubonic.
• Pneumonic (person‑to‑person respiratory) – rapid, near‑100% fatal.
• Septicemic – overwhelming bacteremia.

Societal Consequences

• Labor shortage → wage rise, feudalism erosion.
• Persecution of minorities (Jews, lepers, foreigners).
• Religious fervor, flagellants, art (danse macabre).
• Public health origins: quarantine (40 days), lazarettos, bills of mortality.

Modern Context

Plague persists in rodent reservoirs (SW US, Africa, Asia). Treatable with streptomycin, gentamicin, doxycycline if caught early. Vaccine not routinely used.