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Chile reveals European origin of smallpox through Inca mummies

Researchers have identified smallpox virus DNA in two Chilean Inca mummies.

Published 1j1 sourceNotable
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The fact

These 500-year-old findings confirm the disease was introduced by European colonists.

The first direct genetic evidence of this historical transmission.

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Why it matters

Cette découverte archéologique et génétique éclaire un pan crucial de l'histoire des épidémies, en prouvant scientifiquement l'impact dévastateur des maladies importées par les Européens sur les populations amérindiennes. Elle offre une preuve tangible des conséquences sanitaires de la colonisation.

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Auto-synthesis from 1 media source · identified on August 3, 2026
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