Even after Columbus, infectious diseases had a surprisingly hard time crossing oceans.

A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences explores the spread of infectious diseases across oceans during historic voyages. The researchers used mathematical modeling to calculate the likelihood of pathogens being introduced at their destinations. The study found that the transmissibility of the virus, the duration of the trip, and the number of people on board all played a role in the spread of diseases. The researchers also noted that the introduction of steam ships in the 19th century increased the likelihood of long-distance virus spread. However, some historians argue that the study's focus on Columbus overlooks earlier instances of disease transmission through ship travel. The study highlights the importance of understanding the time it takes for diseases to spread and the role of transportation in facilitating their spread. [Extracted from the article]