Emerging Infectious Diseases and the Depopulation of French Polynesia in the 19th Century
1996
Emerging Infectious Diseases and the Depopulation of French Polynesia in the 19th Century
publication
Author Information
Author(s): H. Leslie Garcia-Lopez, Luis E. Rodriguez-Tovar, Carlos E. Medina-De la Garza
Primary Institution: Facultad de Medicina y Hospital Universitario 'Dr. J.E. Gonzalez,' Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Monterrey, Mexico
Hypothesis
The dynamics of infectious diseases contributed to the depopulation of French Polynesia in the 19th century.
Conclusion
The introduction of new infectious diseases by European navigators likely decimated the Polynesian population.
Supporting Evidence
- Polynesian islanders were likely decimated by newly introduced infectious diseases.
- Historical models suggest that new pathogens introduced by Europeans caused significant population declines.
Takeaway
When Europeans came to Polynesia, they brought new diseases that made many people very sick and caused a lot of deaths.
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