Ancient mummy DNA in Chile shows that colonisation brought smallpox to the Americas

Analysis of DNA from ancient mummies in Chile has revealed the earliest known genome of the smallpox virus recovered from the Americas. This research, published on July 30 in the journal Science, indicates that the smallpox virus, specifically the Orthopoxvirus variola, was brought to the Americas by Europeans during the colonization period. The study focused on two individuals who lived in what is now modern-day Chile over 400 years ago and were found to have been infected with the smallpox virus at the time of their deaths. The genetic evidence extracted from the mummified remains of these individuals provides crucial insights into the timeline of when smallpox first arrived in the Americas. The findings support historical accounts suggesting that the disease was introduced to the continent as a result of European contact. This research confirms that the lineage of smallpox found in these mummies is extinct, underscoring the impact of European colonization on indigenous populations in the Americas. The implications of this study are significant, as it enhances our understanding of the viral lineage and highlights the broader consequences of the transatlantic exchange during this period. The research serves as a landmark contribution to the fields of virology and historical epidemiology, confirming that the disease originated with European contact. The findings contribute to the understanding of the historical spread of smallpox and its effects on indigenous communities.