Does volcanic activity cause plague ? I ask this because I saw here on the NET that Geologists found micro-organisms living in the lava dome at Mount St.Helens WA. The outbreak of Herpes and AIDS started soon after that 5-18-1980 eruption and although this just might be a coincidence I feel this is worth looking into. I believe before life lived in the oceans the " LIFE STUFF " was spewed out by volcanic activity . What do you think ?

rocky Ra Amen

Dear Ra Amen,

Volcanic activity does not cause plague. Plague was brought from central Asia to Europe by trading ships in the 1300's. It is caused by bacteria that live on rats and other rodents. It is transmitted to humans by fleas from infected rats.

AIDS is caused by two viruses. HIV-1 is found worldwide. It was first isolated in 1983. HIV-2 is only found in Africa. It was identified in 1985. It has been suggested that the AIDS viruses evolved from viruses that originally infected monkeys. The virus became widespread due to social changes in Africa in the 1960's and 1970's (large numbers of people moved from rural areas to cities). AIDS was first identified in the U.S. in Los Angeles and New York City in 1980 and 1981. Once the virus was recognized, tissue from several people that died of undermined causes in the 1960's and 1970's were analyzed. Scientists concluded these people died of AIDS.

I am not sure what you mean by " LIFE STUFF ". The oceans and the atmosphere were created by gases erupted from volcanoes. Then, life evolved in the oceans. So, if you consider " LIFE STUFF " to be these early volcanic gases, I guess we agree.

If it is not too much trouble please tell me where to find the article about micro-organisms living in the lava dome at Mount St. Helens. Thanks.

Steve Mattox, University of North Dakota 

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