Scientists reported molecular evidence that European colonisers introduced smallpox into South America soon after recovering the earliest ancient smallpox genomes from remains found in Chile.
Genetic analysis traced the recovered viral strains to a European lineage that diverged around the late 13th century.
The analysis suggested the smallpox virus adapted to human hosts for roughly two centuries after arrival, followed by relatively limited genetic change for about 200 years.
The genetic findings were used to link inferred outbreak dynamics to severe collapse of Indigenous populations after European contact.
Background and earlier position
Colonists brought smallpox to S.… | Samachar Pathshala
