Comparing Impacts

Ebola today and the Bubonic Plague of the Middle Ages both have made major impacts. When comparing the impacts, it is important to consider that the Ebola Epidemic is still taking place; so all impacts have not been fully realized. The Plague mostly affected Europe, while Ebola is most greatly affecting West Africa. The bubonic plague had a much higher mortality rate than Ebola; killing off a 75 to 200 million people while Ebola currently killed 6,000. It took Europe 150 years to recover its population.

Both the diseases caused an economic impact. Ebola has so far cost West Africa 3 to 4 Billion dollars. The countries most affected had put a halt on importing and exporting goods, thus affecting trade. Agriculture, a major part of the African economy has also been compromised. Disruption for the outbreak during the growing seasons had led to a shortage in crops. The Ebola outbreak also negatively affected mining and tourism. As for the Bubonic Plague, trade was also compromised. The death of workers led to a labor shortage. The prices of goods skyrocketed.

The two outbreaks also had social impacts. People affected with these diseases were separated from their families. The diseases strike fear and turmoil amongst the population. In Medieval Europe, people had lost their faith in religion. Due to being overworked from the shortage of labors, peasant riots began to take place. In West Africa, citizens are beginning to lose trust in their Government. Many citizens have held protests because they feel the government is not doing enough to fight Ebola. Similar to the peasant revolts, many healthcare workers have gone on strike demanding higher pay.

Peasant Revolt of 1381

Liberan Healthcare Workers Strike For Higher Wages

Sources

http://www.bbc.com/news/business-28865434

http://www.brown.edu/Departments/Italian_Studies/dweb/plague/effects/social.php

http://eh.net/encyclopedia/the-economic-impact-of-the-black-death/

http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/11/19/us-africa-economy-idUSKCN0J30VH20141119