Are archaeological finds dangerous? What diseases do they hide?

Archaeological discoveries are a window into the past that allows us to learn about ancient civilizations and their ways of life. However, these finds can also be dangerous because they contain diseases that have been dormant for centuries. In this article, we will explore the potential dangers of archaeological finds and discuss some of the diseases they may contain. We will also provide examples of archaeological discoveries that have been linked to disease outbreaks.

Hidden dangers of archaeological finds

Archaeological sites can be a treasure trove of information about the past, but they can also harbor dangerous pathogens. These pathogens can survive for centuries in the soil, waiting for an unsuspecting human to disturb them. Once released, they can cause serious illness or even death.

Diseases that can be found in archaeological sites

Some diseases associated with archaeological finds include:

Anthrax: This deadly bacterium can be found in the bones of animals that have died from the disease. It can infect humans through contact with contaminated soil or animal products.

Tuberculosis: This bacterial infection can be spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can also be transmitted through contact with contaminated soil or water.

Smallpox: This highly contagious virus was once a major killer of humans. It was destroyed in the 1980s, but there are concerns that it may be released from the archaeological site.

Hantavirus: This virus is found in the saliva and urine of rodents. It can be transmitted to humans through contact with contaminated rodent droppings or by inhalation of aerosolized virus.

Examples of archaeological discoveries related to disease outbreaks

In 1976, an outbreak of anthrax occurred in Siberia after a group of scientists excavated a frozen grave containing the body of a person who had died of the disease.

In 1994, there was an outbreak of tuberculosis in Egypt after a group of tourists visited an ancient tomb.

In 2001, there was concern that smallpox might be released from an archaeological site in Pakistan.

In 2018, an outbreak of hantavirus occurred in the United States after a group of tourists encountered rodent droppings in a cave.

Precautions when working with archaeological finds

To protect yourself from the dangers of archaeological finds, it is important to take the following precautions:

Wear protective clothing and equipment such as gloves, masks and goggles.

Wash your hands thoroughly after handling archaeological materials.

Do not eat or drink anything while working with archaeological materials.

Report any injuries or illnesses to your supervisor immediately.

Get vaccinated against diseases that are common in the region where you work.

Archaeological findings can be a valuable source of information about the past, but they can also be dangerous. It is important to be aware of the potential risks and take precautions to protect yourself from harm. By following the guidelines in this article, you can make your archaeological work safe and productive.

Additional resources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Tuberculosis 

World Health Organization - Smallpox: [invalid URL removed]

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Hantavirus 

It is important to note that the risk of getting sick from an archaeological find is relatively low. However, it is still important to take precautions to protect yourself.

If you are concerned about the potential danger of an archaeological find, you should seek the advice of a qualified professional.

I hope this article was informative. Please let me know if you have any questions.