DNA and the 1918 flu epidemic

Interestingly enough, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are publishing their DNA findings of the highly contagious 1918 flu epidemic. Using preserved tissue from a woman in Alaska buried in permanently frozen ground and a soldier's tissue that had been preserved, the scientists demonstrated that it was a bird flu that jumped directly to humans. Over 20 million died worldwide from this flu and over a half a million Americans, including the Minnesota family that I have written about in this blog. Obvious concerns include the newer avian flu in Asia, which has demonstrated a 60% mortality rate in reported cases.

Again, with accurate family history and DNA records, the future holds many fantastic revelations for us as diligent genealogists. We may uncover genetic links and predispositions for diseases and conditions that haven't even been proposed yet.