Black Death (historical epidemic)

The Black Death was a devastating pandemic of bubonic plague that struck Europe in the 14th century, peaking around 1347-1351. It was caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, transmitted primarily through flea bites from infected rats. The disease spread rapidly, leading to the deaths of an estimated one-third to one-half of Europe's population. Symptoms included fever, chills, weakness, and painful swollen lymph nodes called buboes. The Black Death had profound social, economic, and cultural impacts, reshaping medieval society and highlighting the importance of public health and quarantine measures.