https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/oldest-evidence-of-a-plague-outbreak-found-in-prehistoric-graves-rewriting-the-disease-s-historyContinuously updated, source-cited coverage. https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/oldest-evidence-of-a-plague-outbreak-found-in-prehistoric-graves-rewriting-the-disease-s-historyhttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/oldest-evidence-of-a-plague-outbreak-found-in-prehistoric-graves-rewriting-the-disease-s-history#u4104Fri, 19 Jun 2026 02:32:29 +0000Ancient DNA from Siberian cemeteries reveals plague outbreaks occurred 5,500 years ago. This evidence shows the disease killed humans long before the rise of cities and farming. The outbreaks were rapid and specifically targeted children and young teenagers.What's confirmed:Plague evidence dates back approximately 5,500 years ago.The disease existed before the development of agriculture, urban settlements, or cities.Ancient DNA from Siberian hunter-gatherer cemeteries shows early plague strains in nearly 40% of individuals.Rapid family-based outbreaks killed many children and young teenagers.S https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/oldest-evidence-of-a-plague-outbreak-found-in-prehistoric-graves-rewriting-the-disease-s-historyhttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/oldest-evidence-of-a-plague-outbreak-found-in-prehistoric-graves-rewriting-the-disease-s-history#u2729Thu, 18 Jun 2026 01:31:41 +0000Scientists have identified the earliest known plague outbreak in hunter-gatherer graves near Lake Baikal, Siberia, dating to roughly 5,500 years ago. The discovery predates the Justinian Plague by 4,000 years and suggests the bacterium Yersinia pestis infected humans long before agriculture or urban settlements. Young children appear to have been disproportionately affected. Researchers confirm the strain likely originated from marmots.What's confirmed:Ancient DNA from hunter-gatherer graves near Lake Baikal, Siberia, confirms a plague outbreak dating to approximately 5,500 years ago.The bacte