| [the plague in finland in 1710]. | in the autumn of 1710 helsinki was struck by the so-called oriental plague during four months. the infection was transferred by black rats which harboured fleas. the flea-bites caused boils. it was believed that the plague was air-borne, and the air was very humid that autumn. big fires were lit in order to reduce the humidity, the purpose being to make it easier for the infected to breathe. attempts were also made to dissect the boils. the carriers of the contamination came as refugees from e ... | 1994 | 11640321 |