Ancient DNA reveals plague was already killing humans 5,500 years ago

Ancient DNA analysis from hunter-gatherer cemeteries in Siberia reveals that plague was a deadly killer 5,500 years ago. This predates cities, farming, and rat-infested conditions typically associated with outbreaks. Researchers discovered early plague strains in nearly 40% of studied individuals, identifying rapid family-based outbreaks that killed many children and young teenagers. These findings indicate that the Neolithic Transition is not responsible for the emergence of the plague, as it affected populations much earlier.