It is my understanding that historians believe there were two plagues responsible for the deaths in the 14th century. The bubonic plague, carried by rats was the preferable one to have by all accounts, as about 70% of patients died. The fleas died off in cold weather, so it would not spread easily in winter. Also, fleas were unikely to pick up the infection from humans. Th pnuemonic plague on the other hand was airborn, from patients coughing blood and germs. It killed everybody, and was not affected by weather.
One of the reasons the plagues took such a hold, was that the weather had been poor in previous years, and Europe was suffering famine conditions guaranteed to make the population more susceptible to illness. Added to that, wetter conditions and lack of food, forced rats from their natural habitat into closer contact with humans. Killing of cats to prevent spread of the disease would certainly not of helped. In Asia, the bubonic plague is well known for being more prevalent in wetter years. Interestingly, one thing I've heard from various sources, is that glovemakers seemed to avoid plague (one location mentioned is Grasse). They used lavender oil to scent the gloves. Lavender oil can be used to treat lice infestations, so would probably be effective against fleas. It is also used as treatment for bronchitis and influenza, so there is probably some truth in it. Karen in Coventry Where the sun is shining again To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace-chat [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
