Plague death toll rises to 143 in Madagascar

The Black Death was one of the most devastating pandemics in human history, resulting in the deaths of an estimated 75 to 200 million people in Eurasia and peaking in Europe in the years 1346�1353. The bacterium Yersinia pestis, resulting in several forms of plague, is believed to have been the cause. The plague created a series of religious, social, and economic upheavals, which had profound effects on the course of European history.

The Black Death is thought to have originated in the dry plains of Central Asia, where it then travelled along the Silk Road, reaching Crimea by 1343. From there, it was most likely carried by Oriental rat fleas living on the black rats that were regular passengers on merchant ships. Spreading throughout the Mediterranean and Europe.

The Black Death is estimated to have killed 30�60% of Europe's total population. In total, the plague may have reduced the world population from an estimated 450 million down to 350�375 million in the 14th century. The world population as a whole did not recover to pre-plague levels until the 17th century. The plague recurred as outbreaks in Europe until the 19th century.