Oldest known Yersinia pestis infection, dating back 5,500 years, discovered in Siberia

Researchers have identified in Siberia the oldest trace of plague caused by Yersinia pestis.

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The fact

This 5,500-year-old infection predates major medieval pandemics.

The discovery suggests the disease could already trigger epidemics at that time.

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Auto-synthesis from 1 media source · identified on June 17, 2026