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Plague Doctor Costume Goes Viral Amidst Lab Leak Fears
8 Oct
Summary
- A death at a Russian anti-plague institute sparked fears of an outbreak.
- The historical plague doctor costume is trending on social media.
- The costume's components offered protection against disease spread.
Recent concerns about a potential pneumonic plague outbreak have surfaced after a young woman's death at the Irkutsk Research Anti-Plague Institute in Russia. The incident reportedly involved a live bacterium, prompting the isolation of nearly 200 individuals. Amidst circulating reports of a possible lab leak, the 17th-century plague doctor costume has seen a resurgence online.
Social media users, especially Gen Z, are now sharing reels and content featuring the historically significant attire. This trend injects dark humor and sarcasm into fears of a potential outbreak, drawing parallels between the plague doctor's protective gear and modern COVID-19 era PPE. The costume, once a symbol of treating plague patients, is now being reinterpreted as a fashion statement.
The classic plague doctor outfit includes a beak-like mask filled with herbs to combat 'bad air,' a long robe for protection against bodily fluids and fleas, a wide-brimmed hat, gloves, boots, and a cane for non-contact examination. These elements were crucial for physicians attempting to shield themselves from the highly contagious disease.
