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Measles In The Columbian Exchange

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Among the many things spread and shared in the Columbian Exchange, the trading of diseases is perhaps the most significant. The natives of the Americas had never experienced the serious diseases that European explorers carried over to the New World. From smallpox to influenza and malaria to cholera, Native American populations were drastically decreased due to their poor immunity. Between the numerous amounts of European diseases, though, measles was the most remarkable in that its effects were both widespread and enduring.
Measles, also known as rubeola, is a respiratory infection caused by the measles virus. The disease is spread through air (coughing, sneezing) or direct contact (skin-to-skin). Symptoms usually include a high fever, continuous sneezing and coughing, and inflamed eyes. These first round of symptoms usually appear one to two week after the disease is contracted. Once the mentioned symptoms develop, a rash emerges three to five days later. There is no treatment for measles, but over-the-counter medications can deaden the symptoms. The virus generally disappears in a few weeks.
Christopher Columbus is considered to be the explorer who brought measles (as well as many …show more content…

As well as foods and animals, diseases were also exchanged. One significant one were the measles. The measles are caused by the measles virus and results in an itchy, dry rash. This illness is spread between direct or indirect contact. European explorer Christopher Columbus is thought to be the one to bring this sickness to the Americas. During that time, measles were spread by explorer-to-native contact, animals, and filthy living conditions. Like today, there was no cure. Much of the Native American population drastically decreased amid the Age of Exploration. Based on the presented evidence, it can be concluded that measles were the most significant element of the Columbian

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