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Disease exchange across the tropical Atlantic
1Department of History, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218.
History and Philosophy of the Life Sciences
|January 1, 1993
Summary
The transatlantic exchange of diseases involved Africa more than Europe, significantly impacting the Americas. African diseases, including smallpox and malaria, caused major depopulation and made the tropics dangerous for Europeans.
Area of Science:
- Historical epidemiology
- Transatlantic studies
- Tropical medicine
Background:
- The 15th-century encounter between the Americas and Europe involved complex disease environment interactions.
- This encounter was preceded by European contact with tropical Africa.
Observation:
- Disease transmission occurred across the tropical Atlantic, primarily from Africa to the Americas.
- Key diseases transferred included smallpox, yaws, yellow fever, and falciparum malaria.
- Many vector-borne diseases did not transfer due to a lack of suitable vectors in the Americas.
Findings:
- Diseases originating from Africa had a greater impact on the depopulation of the humid American tropics than European diseases.
- African diseases established conditions that increased the danger of tropical American residence for Europeans.
Implications:
- Understanding historical disease transmission is crucial for contemporary public health in tropical regions.
- This research highlights the profound and lasting demographic and epidemiological impact of the transatlantic slave trade.