The Plague, Bawth, the Plague ... Achoo!

15 Points Per Correct Answer - No time limit  

1. During the 6th century, Europe was struck by the first recorded pandemics (global disease outbreaks) in human history. In 541 A.D., the Bubonic "Plague of Justinian" killed 1/4 of the Eastern Mediterranean population. In 588 A.D., up to 25 million people perished in a second major outbreak in France. The disease lay dormant until the mid 14th century, whereupon it broke out and lasted over 4 agonizing years. Where is generally accepted as the breakout location? Casablanca, Morocco Cairo, Egypt The Gobi Desert Calcutta, India

2. Historians and scientists studying the Black Death of 1347-51 have been puzzled by the high mortality rate, with 1/3 of Europe's population dead by the end of 1351, roughly some 33 million people. In addition to Bubonic, which form(s) were suspected to be also present? Septicaemic ( blood ) Jaggermic (lips) Pneumonic ( lungs ) Septicaemic and Pneumonic

3. Historically, when a human being contracted the Bubonic Plague, death was likely imminent. What was the fate of the other two in the cycle, the rat (black rat-Rattus Rattus, Brown rat-Rattus Norvegicus) and the flea (Xenopsylla Cheopsis)? Both rat and flea died The flea died The rat died The rat and flea survived

4. The misery and panic of 1347-1351 were made worse by the fact that no one knew what was causing the Bubonic epidemic. Yet, some initial efforts to combat the disease yielded minor positive results. Which of these was helpful? Cannons and bells Talismans and charms Burning of Incense Walls

5. The Black Death did not discriminate. Among rich and poor, young and old, Jews and Christians, it left a trail of destruction in its path. People of high station and prominence were not excluded either. Who was the only reigning monarch in Europe to die of the Plague of 1347-1351? Alfonso XI of Castile ( born 1312 ) Edward III of England ( born 1312 ) Philip VI of France ( born 1293 ) Afonso IV of Portugal (born 1291 )

6. Bubonic Plague is a disease primarily carried by rodents. Which rodent is believed to carry the most deadly strains of the disease? The Black rat ( rattus rattus ) The Chipmunk ( small squirrel ) The Prairie dog ( prairie squirrel ) The Marmot ( large squirrel )

7. The Great Plague of London in 1665-1666 is considered one of the last major outbreaks in recent memory. Between September 2-5, 1666, the Great Fire of London virtually destroyed the city. This caused a significant decrease in Plague illnesses. A popular theory is that the fire killed off which of these? Black and brown rats Brown rats and fleas Black rats and fleas All three " varmints "

8. There is a popular children's nursery rhyme that has been traditionally linked (without evidence) to the Black Death of 1347-51 and the London Plague of 1665-1666. Which rhyme is it? Ring around the Roses Three Blind Mice Solomon Gundy London Bridge

9. Although the Black Death of 1347-51 killed an estimated 33 million people, a 20th century phenomenon was responsible for more deaths than any other single occurrence. What was this terrible disaster? The Spanish Flu World War One World War Two A.I.D.S.

10. Some scientists have speculated that the Black Death was a large scale outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus. First reported in 1976, only one of the current strains of Ebola does not affect humans. Which one? The Reston The Zaire The Ivory Coast The Sudan