Final answer:
The Black Death was a historic pandemic caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis and spread by fleas on rats. It had a high mortality rate and caused widespread panic. It has some similarities and differences with the contemporary pandemic of coronavirus.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Black Death, one of the most devastating pandemics in history, took place from 1346 to 1361. It was caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, which traveled through fleas living on black rats. The disease had a high mortality rate, causing the world's population to decrease from about 450 million to roughly 350 to 375 million.
There are some similarities and differences between the Black Death and the contemporary coronavirus pandemic. Both caused widespread panic and had a significant impact on the global population. However, the modes of transmission are different. The Black Death was primarily spread through rodent fleas, whereas coronavirus is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets. Moreover, modern antibiotics can effectively treat the bacterium that causes the Black Death, while treatment for the coronavirus is different and primarily involves antiviral medications and supportive care.
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