Praxis II Citizenship

Answer: A - Syphilis originated in the Americas, where explorers contracted the disease and ultimately transmitted it to Europe, with devastating consequences. Though the Europeans transmitted many more diseases to the Americas than they left with, Columbus’ crew likely brought syphilis to Europe, where it quickly spread following the crew’s 1493 return to America. By 1495 the first syphilis epidemic was underway. After 10 to 20 years of untreated infection, it can also affect the brain and literally drive someone insane until the disease eats away at enough of the brain, spinal tissue, or skull that the victim dies (that’s what killed Al Capone). Today, syphilis can easily be caught in a blood test and treated with penicillin. Smallpox and tuberculosis likely originated in Egypt, perhaps China, and spread to Europe from Eastern Hemisphere trade. Scarlet fever originated either in Greece, Persia, or Sicily.