[Plague in Central Germany in the 17th century]

It is reported on the experiences from several events of epidemic plague in the 17th century, above all in Middle Germany. Documentary material and the historic literature belonging to this served as basis. The mortality rates of plague are discussed, which proved as relatively different. The seasonal courses of the individual epidemics are discussed, which took place above all in the months July, August and September and finished in winter, what is connected with the biology of the flea. It is emphasized that the mortality of children is particularly in the plague, whereas the women and above all the men somewhat less frequently die of the epidemic, unless statistically significant differences are the result in these cases. The inter-familiar infection chains proved as relatively long so that in these cases multiple infections and secondary diseases are supposed to be the cause. It seems to be very likely that for the events of plague in Europe not the infection formula rat - plague-flea - man is valid, but the infection took place interhumanly according to the formula man - Pulex irritans - man.