European diseases

Definition

European diseases refers to the various illnesses brought by Europeans during the Columbian Exchange that had a devastating impact on Native American populations. These diseases, such as smallpox and measles, were new to the Americas and caused widespread death and population decline among Native Americans.

Related terms

Smallpox: A highly contagious disease that causes fever, rash, and often severe illness or death.

Measles: An infectious viral disease causing fever, redness of eyes, coughing, and skin rashes.

Epidemic: The rapid spread of a disease across a large region or population.