[Aztlan] New theory: Rats spread fatal illness

[Justin Kerr]

The concept seems to be that after the arrival of the Europeans who planted
wheat rather than corn, the mouse population exploded. The mouse is the
vector for hemorrhagic fever, hence the epidemic.
JK 

-----Original Message-----
From: aztlan-bounces at lists.famsi.org [mailto:aztlan-bounces at lists.famsi.org]
On Behalf Of Jules Siegel
Sent: Monday, January 08, 2007 4:29 PM
To: Aztlan
Subject: Re: [Aztlan] New theory: Rats spread fatal illness

daniel at elchicano.net wrote:
> interestring article in today's el universal.com.mx:
> http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/miami/22871.html
>   
"While the initial big die-offs are still blamed on the Conquistadors 
who started arriving in 1519, even more virulent epidemics in 1545 and 
1576 may have been caused by a native blood-hemorrhaging fever spread by 
rats, Mexican researchers say."

Why would people suddenly die in pandemic numbers from a native virus to 
which they had been exposed for centuries? This is conveniently 
explained away by its supposed origin in isolated communities. But did 
such isolated really communities exist except to save the hypothesis? 
One answer might be that their immune systems were compromised by lack 
of food. No mention is made of widespread famine and malnutrition 
following the collapse of the agricultural system caused by the earlier 
plagues. Depression also suppresses the immune system. Consider also the 
emotional effects of generalized cultural and social collapse combined 
with whole populations being enslaved.

"Relatively few Spaniards were affected by the outbreak, possibly 
because in either eventuality they were protected."

Because they were well-fed and therefore their immune systems were 
stronger. And they were the aggressors not the victims.

--
JULES SIEGEL Apdo. 1764, 77501-Cancun, Q. Roo, Mexico
http://www.cafecancun.com/bookarts

Newsroom-l, news and issues for journalists
http://www.newsroom-l.net/

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