Civilization leads to epidemics because of proximity. When a civilization flourishes, more people are living closer together in fixed abodes. They also gather in public places more frequently, and are more likely to travel and spread disease. Civilization implies job and class differentiation, which means that different people have exposure to different kinds of bacteria and viruses. Once those people live close to one another or meet in groups, it does not take much to create an epidemic. Civilization also frequently implies public water and sewage systems. These are a great idea, but early civilizations had no clue about treating water systems to prevent epidemics, so everyone used the same water, and if there was something wrong with it, an epidemic was inevitable.
The swine flu, which has an official name that escapes me right now, is a good example of how an epidemic spreads in civilization. If you recall, Mexico's first official act upon learning of the epidemic was to close restaurants, schools, and other public gathering places. In an "uncivilized" situation, people do not gather in this way, and epidemics are less likely. Nor do they live as close to one another, and so are less likely to spread disease.
No comments:
Post a Comment