‘This Is Very Strange’: Ancient Smallpox May Have Been Less Deadly

Scientists have made an important discovery in Chile, revealing the presence of smallpox viruses in the remains of people who lived approximately 500 years ago. This finding offers new understanding into the history of smallpox and how it may have changed over time.

The ancient viruses suggest that smallpox might have existed in the Americas before Europeans arrived. Interestingly, the researchers believe that this older form of smallpox could have been less severe or deadly than the disease that later became a devastating global threat. This challenges previous ideas about when and how smallpox first appeared and spread widely, hinting that the virus slowly evolved.

This discovery is crucial because it helps scientists trace the evolution of the virus. By studying these ancient samples, they can gain new insights into the genetic changes that allowed smallpox to become the highly fatal disease known as a global killer. Understanding this past evolution can also provide valuable lessons for studying other viruses today.