Shigeki Nakagome

Ancient DNA recovered from mummies in Chile has provided strong evidence that smallpox arrived in the Americas following European colonization. Researchers analyzed bone samples from Camarones, northern Chile, finding indications of infections dating to the early colonial period. This discovery marks the first evidence of the disease found in that part of South America.

Ancient mummy DNA from Chile provides genetic evidence that smallpox was introduced to the Americas through European colonization. The study, published in Science, identified smallpox infections in two individuals who died between 1492 and 1631, linking the virus to European strains and confirming historical accounts of its devastating impact on Indigenous populations.

Ancient mummy DNA from Chile provides genetic evidence that smallpox was introduced to the Americas through European colonization, with infections dating between 1492 and 1631. The study links the virus to European strains, confirming historical accounts of its deadly impact on Indigenous populations.

DNA analysis of Inca mummies in Chile revealed a smallpox strain originating from Europe, confirming the virus was introduced to the Americas through colonization. The study identified smallpox in two individuals who died between 1492 and 1631, linking the virus to European strains and highlighting its devastating impact on Indigenous populations.