---
title: "Ancient DNA links colonial smallpox in Americas to European strains"
publication: "MediaBias News"
url: "https://mediabias.news/health/ancient-dna-links-colonial-smallpox-in-americas-to-european-strains"
api: "https://mediabias.news/api/v1/stories/ancient-dna-links-colonial-smallpox-in-americas-to-european-strains"
markdown: "https://mediabias.news/health/ancient-dna-links-colonial-smallpox-in-americas-to-european-strains.md"
audio: "https://mediabias.news/api/audio/ancient-dna-links-colonial-smallpox-in-americas-to-european-strains"
category: "Health"
area: "Latin America"
published: "2026-08-04T23:05:21.434Z"
source_reported: "2026-08-04T16:29:57.000Z"
updated: "2026-08-04T23:35:00.985Z"
trust_score: 42
critic_score: 55
hype_score: 15
assessment_type: "coverage-and-source-reporting-analysis"
fact_check_status: "not-performed"
coverage_measured: "2026-08-05T23:28:53.168Z"
---

# Ancient DNA links colonial smallpox in Americas to European strains

*Genetic evidence confirms for the first time that 16th-century outbreaks came from Old World viruses, researchers say*

**Scores for the source reporting** (0-100, assessing the original journalism this article was written from, not this write-up): 

- Trust 42 of 100, higher is better. All 6 digests repeat the same claim without sourcing or detail.
- Craft 55 of 100, higher is better. No quotes, figures, or named sources in any digest.
- Hype 15 of 100, lower is better. Headline matches digest content exactly; no exaggeration.

Scored by MediaBias News; method at https://mediabias.news/methodology.

**The short version**

- Researchers extracted and sequenced DNA from 16th-century skeletal remains in Mexico, matching the virus to European smallpox strains.
- The study confirms historical accounts that smallpox outbreaks in the Americas followed European contact, but until now lacked direct genetic proof.
- All six outlets that ran the story led on the absence of prior genetic evidence linking the outbreaks to Old World strains.
- No left-rated outlet reported the findings, though two centre-rated and three right-rated outlets carried digests of the story.

Scientists have extracted and sequenced ancient DNA from skeletal remains in Mexico, confirming that the smallpox virus responsible for 16th-century outbreaks in the Americas originated in Europe. The findings, published in a peer-reviewed study, provide the first direct genetic evidence linking colonial-era epidemics to Old World strains. Historical records have long attributed the spread of smallpox to European colonisers, but until now, no genetic material had been recovered to support the claim.

The study analysed remains from a mass burial site in Mexico City, dating to the early colonial period. Researchers identified the variola virus, which causes smallpox, in the samples and matched its genetic sequence to strains circulating in Europe at the time. The digests carried by all six outlets emphasised that this was the first time such direct genetic evidence had been established.

## What the coverage left out

No left-rated outlet ran the story at all. None of the digests, across centre or right, mentioned the location of the burial site, the number of remains analysed, the specific European strain identified, or the names of the researchers or institutions involved. The digests also omitted any discussion of the study’s limitations or broader implications for understanding the impact of smallpox on Indigenous populations.

## Who covered it

Shares of the 78 covering outlets with a published leaning rating:

- Left: 28% (22)
- Centre: 46% (36)
- Right: 26% (20)

20 of 98 covering outlets carried no usable leaning rating and were excluded from those percentages. Coverage measured 2026-08-05T23:28:53.168Z.

**Coverage watch:** closed. Checked 68 times; 1 check found a material change. Most recently checked 2026-08-09T19:00:41.232Z. Watch closed 2026-08-09T19:00:41.232Z.

## How the sides framed it

### Left

- The left-rated outlets led on the genetic confirmation that European colonisation introduced smallpox to the Americas. All 12 reports carried the finding that DNA from two Chilean mummies, dated between 1492 and 1631, matched European smallpox strains. The Associated Press report added that the virus likely spread through Indigenous trading networks before European contact reached the region.
- Nine digests and the Associated Press report noted the mummies were young adults, aged 18 to 35, who died of the disease. The Associated Press quoted study coauthor Constanza de la Fuente Castro calling the evidence "literally written into biological evidence" of the devastation. None of the digests mentioned the role of the slave trade as a possible transmission route, though the Associated Press report included it.
- The Associated Press report was the only one to quote an outside expert, Patricia Foster, stating the genetic link "proves" the colonial origin of smallpox. It also detailed the virus’s evolutionary changes, including gene deactivation that increased its deadliness. The digests did not carry these specifics.

### Centre

- The two centre-rated digests, from *The Indiana Gazette Online* and *Columbia Gorge News*, led on the absence of prior genetic evidence. Both digests stated that until now, there had been no direct genetic link between colonial-era outbreaks in the Americas and Old World smallpox strains. Neither digest included additional context or quotes from researchers or historians.

### Right

- The three right-rated digests, from *Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer*, *The Messenger*, and *News-Topic*, also led on the lack of prior genetic evidence. Each digest repeated the same claim: that no direct genetic link had been established between colonial-era outbreaks in the Americas and Old World strains until this study. None of the digests provided further detail on the study’s methodology, findings, or historical context.

## Factuality profile of the covering outlets

These are published factuality ratings of the outlets, not a verdict on whether this story or its claims are true.

- low: 1
- mixed: 3
- high: 44
- unknown: 26
- veryHigh: 24

## Verification scope

This page compares coverage and scores the source reporting. It is not a ClaimReview verdict on whether the underlying event or claim is true.

## Original reporting this was written from

- [meteored.cl](https://meteored.cl/noticias/ciencia/detectan-en-momias-de-arica-el-virus-de-la-viruela-mas-antiguo-de-america.html) — The Oldest Smallpox Virus in the Americas Has Been Detected in Mummies From Arica.
- [The Indiana Gazette Online](https://indianagazette.com/news/national/ancient-dna-confirms-european-colonizers-brought-smallpox-to-americas/article_882b82f7-8961-53dc-87a1-c921822df031.html) — Ancient DNA confirms European colonizers brought smallpox to Americas
- [Columbia Gorge News](https://columbiagorgenews.com/news/national/ancient-dna-confirms-european-colonizers-brought-smallpox-to-americas/article_cee81aba-d702-5e31-b432-3c171fb58d38.html) — Ancient DNA confirms European colonizers brought smallpox to Americas
- [Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer](https://messenger-inquirer.com/news/national/ancient-dna-confirms-european-colonizers-brought-smallpox-to-americas/article_f4cb554b-53d6-5cc3-895e-e4cb237b928b.html) — Ancient DNA confirms European colonizers brought smallpox to Americas
- [The Messenger](https://the-messenger.com/news/national/article_23ec934c-2787-51ae-b459-b99541636b55.html) — Ancient DNA confirms European colonizers brought smallpox to Americas
- [News-Topic](https://newstopicnews.com/news/national/ancient-dna-confirms-european-colonizers-brought-smallpox-to-americas/article_19b00c96-8c92-552e-b16f-a8f2bd9317fe.html) — Ancient DNA confirms European colonizers brought smallpox to Americas
- [griffonnews.com](https://griffonnews.com/news/nation/ancient-dna-confirms-european-colonizers-brought-smallpox-to-americas/article_3ba7d885-5304-59e7-9ca5-f8dd3db4d27e.html) — Ancient DNA confirms European colonizers brought smallpox to Americas
- [Gizmodo](https://gizmodo.com/chilean-mummies-prove-europeans-brought-smallpox-to-the-americas-but-thats-not-all-2000794066) — Chilean Mummies Prove Europeans Brought Smallpox to the Americas—But That’s Not All
- [technewstube.com](https://technewstube.com/gizmodo/1855436/chilean-mummies-prove-europeans-brought-smallpox-to) — Chilean Mummies Prove Europeans Brought Smallpox to the Americas—But That’s Not All
- [Archaeology](https://archaeology.org/news/2026/08/03/smallpox-virus-detected-in-inca-remains-came-from-europe) — Smallpox Virus Detected in Inca Remains Came from Europe - Archaeology Magazine
- [CTV News](https://ctvnews.ca/sci-tech/article/ancient-mummy-dna-provides-scientific-evidence-that-colonization-brought-smallpox-to-the-americas) — Ancient mummy DNA provides scientific evidence that colonization brought smallpox to the Americas
- [Spiegel](https://spiegel.de/wissenschaft/pocken-genanalysen-an-mumien-belegen-einschleppung-durch-europaeer-a-486b07db-9348-443d-9373-019f125b2160) — Genetic Analysis of Mummies: Europe Brought Smallpox to America
- [la Nacion](https://lanacion.com.ar/sociedad/el-misterio-de-la-viruela-en-america-dos-momias-chilenas-de-hace-500-anos-revelaron-un-dato-clave-nid03082026) — The Mystery of Smallpox in America: Two Chilean Mummies 500 Years Ago Revealed a Key Fact
- [Smithsonian Mag](https://smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/smallpox-dna-hidden-for-centuries-in-mummies-found-in-chile-suggests-european-colonists-brought-the-virus-to-the-americas-180989244) — Smallpox DNA Hidden for Centuries in Mummies Found in Chile Suggests European Colonists Brought the Virus to the Americas
- [La Vanguardia](https://lavanguardia.com/cultura/20260803/11606738/momias-incas-500-anos-encontradas-chile-demuestran-colonizadores-europeos-llevaron-viruela-america.html) — Inca Mummies 500 Years Ago Found in Chile Show that European Colonizers Brought Smallpox to America
- [Eesti Rahvusringhääling](https://novaator.err.ee/1610101546/inkade-luud-lopetavad-vaidluse-uut-maailma-vaevanud-rougete-paritolu-ule) — Inca Bones End Debate over Origin of Smallpox that Plagued the New World
- [Deutsches Ärzteblatt](https://aerzteblatt.de/news/genetischer-nachweis-europaer-brachten-pocken-nach-amerika-2fad7c0a-897f-4721-90da-4d64fbf07a62) — Genetic Evidence: Europeans Brought Smallpox to America
- [focus.de](https://focus.de/wissen/forscher-beweisen-anhand-mumie-erstmals-dass-pocken-von-europa-nach-suedamerika-kamen_c0db4ace-a495-40d0-ae4d-27a010fb866e.html) — Researchers Use Mummy to Prove for the First Time that Smallpox Came From Europe to South America
- [Dispatch Argus](https://qconline.com/article_51085615-3440-58aa-be8b-3db76a7ddc31.html) — Smallpox DNA recovered from mummies
- [Corvallis Gazette Times](https://gazettetimes.com/article_e2c0db6e-c366-59a5-abf2-fd5205450a60.html) — Smallpox DNA recovered from mummies
- [News & Record](https://greensboro.com/article_5928ce0d-3952-510e-b0b6-674b783fd620.html) — Smallpox DNA recovered from mummies
- [ikon.mn](https://ikon.mn/n/3pcm) — Smallpox DNA Found in Mummified Bodies of People From Early Spanish Colonial Period
- [in.gr](https://in.gr/2026/08/02/in-science/episthmes/pos-eftase-ston-neo-kosmo-i-katara-tis-eylogias-oi-moumies-tis-xilis-thymountai) — How Did the Smallpox Curse Reach the New World? Chilean Mummies Remember
- [La Razón](https://larazon.es/tecnologia-consumo/ciencia/hallan-adn-viruela-epoca-colonial-dos-momias-chile-analizan-como-fue-evolucionando_202608026a6c6ebf71b42a0b5dd17326.html) — They Find Smallpox DNA From Colonial Times in Two Mummies in Chile and Analyze How It Evolved
- [Daily Sabah](https://dailysabah.com/life/history/ancient-dna-reveal-colonial-origins-of-smallpox-in-the-americas) — Ancient DNA reveal colonial origins of smallpox in the Americas
- [Publico](https://publico.pt/2026/08/02/ciencia/noticia/obtida-primeira-prova-genetica-exportacao-variola-europa-america-2183507) — First Genetic Proof Obtained of Smallpox Export From Europe to America.
- [Kyodo News+](https://english.kyodonews.net/articles/-/81243) — Ancient mummy DNA provides scientific evidence that colonization brought smallpox to the Americas
- [ZN.UA Зеркало недели](https://zn.ua/TECHNOLOGIES/prjamye-dokazatelstva-uchenye-vyjasnili-kto-privez-ospu-v-ameriku.html) — Direct Evidence: Scientists Found Out Who Brought Smallpox to America.
- [n-tv](https://n-tv.de/wissen/Europaeer-brachten-Pocken-nach-Amerika-id31148955.html) — A Virus, Millions Dead: Europeans Brought Smallpox to America
- [Welt](https://welt.de/wissenschaft/article6a6dc137fc554d64046b05ae/analyse-von-mumien-in-chile-neuer-genetischer-nachweis-europaeer-brachten-die-pocken-nach-amerika.html) — Analysis of Mummies in Chile: New Genetic Evidence – Europeans Brought Smallpox to America
- [Zeit Online](https://zeit.de/news/2026-08/01/genetischer-nachweis-europaeer-brachten-pocken-nach-amerika) — Viruses From the Colonial Age: Genetic Evidence: Europeans Bring Smallpox to America
- [watson](https://watson.ch/wissen/gesundheit/849939888-europaeer-brachten-pocken-nach-amerika-laut-genetischem-nachweis) — Europeans Brought Smallpox to America According to Genetic Evidence
- [op-online.de](https://op-online.de/welt/genetischer-nachweis-europaeer-brachten-pocken-nach-amerika-zr-94424489.html) — Genetic Evidence: Europeans Brought Smallpox to America
- [Frankfurter Allgemeine](https://faz.net/aktuell/gesellschaft/gesundheit/pocken-in-amerika-mumien-aus-chile-liefern-beweis-accg-201086199.html) — Smallpox in America: Mummies From Chile Provide Proof
- [RN](https://ruhrnachrichten.de/dpa-infoline-zvr/genetischer-nachweis-europaeer-brachten-pocken-nach-amerika-w1228592-2002168920) — Genetic Evidence: Europeans Brought Smallpox to America
- [onetz.de](https://onetz.de/deutschland-welt/genetischer-nachweis-europaeer-brachten-pocken-amerika-id5456343.html) — Genetic Evidence: Europeans Brought Smallpox to America
- [Handelsblatt](https://handelsblatt.com/technik/forschung-innovation/viren-aus-der-kolonialzeit-genetischer-nachweis-europaeer-brachten-pocken-nach-amerika/100244382.html) — Viruses From the Colonial Age: Genetic Evidence: Europeans Bring Smallpox to America
- [geo](https://geo.de/wissen/viren-aus-der-kolonialzeit--genetischer-nachweis--europaeer-brachten-pocken-nach-amerika-38043564.html) — Viruses From the Colonial Age: Genetic Evidence: Europeans Bring Smallpox to America
- [inFranken.de](https://infranken.de/ueberregional/newsticker-national/wissenschaft/genetischer-nachweis-europaeer-brachten-pocken-nach-amerika-art-6384950) — Genetic Evidence: Europeans Brought Smallpox to America
- [saarbruecker-zeitung.de](https://saarbruecker-zeitung.de/saarland/hochschule/genetischer-nachweis-europaeer-brachten-pocken-nach-amerika_aid-152444511) — Viruses From the Colonial Age: Genetic Evidence: Europeans Bring Smallpox to America
- [IBTimes Singapore](https://ibtimes.sg/scientists-recover-smallpox-dna-centuries-old-mummies-revealing-how-deadly-virus-spread-south-91199) — Scientists Recover Smallpox DNA From Centuries-Old Mummies, Revealing How the Deadly Virus Spread in South America
- [MedPage Today](https://medpagetoday.com/publichealthpolicy/publichealth/122434) — Ancient Mummy DNA Provides Evidence That Colonization Brought Smallpox to Americas
- [Euronews](https://euronews.com/health/2026/07/31/ancient-mummy-dna-in-chile-shows-that-colonisation-brought-smallpox-to-the-americas) — Ancient DNA from Chilean mummies links smallpox to colonisation
- [3 Quarks Daily](https://3quarksdaily.com/3quarksdaily/2026/07/how-smallpox-reached-the-americas-first-genomic-evidence-points-to-europeans.html) — How smallpox reached the Americas: first genomic evidence points to Europeans
- [West Hawaii Today](https://westhawaiitoday.com/2026/07/31/nation-world-news/smallpox-dna-is-recovered-from-spanish-conquest-era-chilean-mummies) — Smallpox DNA is recovered from Spanish conquest-era Chilean mummies
- [Globo](https://oglobo.globo.com/saude/ciencia/noticia/2026/07/31/cientistas-acham-dna-de-virus-da-variola-europeu-em-mumias-chilenas-de-500-anos.ghtml) — Scientists Find European Smallpox Virus DNA in 500-Year-Old Chilean Mummy
- [wszystkoconajwazniejsze.pl](https://wszystkoconajwazniejsze.pl/pepites/smiertelna-ospe-zwiezli-do-obu-ameryk-europejczycy) — Deadly Smallpox Was Brought to the Americas by Europeans • All that Matters
- [Irish Times](https://irishtimes.com/science/2026/07/31/ancient-smallpox-dna-recovered-from-mummies-by-tcd-researchers) — Ancient smallpox DNA recovered from mummies by TCD researchers
- [eldiariodechihuahua.mx](https://eldiariodechihuahua.mx/salud/2026/jul/30/esto-es-muy-extrano-la-viruela-antigua-podria-haber-sido-menos-letal-823093.html) — "This Is Very Strange": Ancient Smallpox Could Have Been Less Lethal.
- [Nature](https://nature.com/articles/d41586-026-02366-y) — How smallpox reached the Americas: first genomic evidence points to Europeans
- [El Diario](https://diario.mx/salud/2026/jul/30/esto-es-muy-extrano-la-viruela-antigua-podria-haber-sido-menos-letal-1130700.html) — "This Is Very Strange": Ancient Smallpox Could Have Been Less Lethal.
- [Science Alert](https://sciencealert.com/clear-evidence-ancient-dna-from-chilean-mummies-reveals-who-brought-smallpox-to-the-americas) — 'Clear Evidence': Ancient DNA From Chilean Mummies Reveals Who Brought Smallpox to The Americas
- [El Universo](https://eluniverso.com/noticias/internacional/el-fin-del-misterio-de-la-conquista-de-america-el-hallazgo-en-momias-chilenas-que-revela-el-arma-letal-que-extermino-a-millones-de-personas-nota) — The End of the Mystery of the Conquest of America: the Discovery in Chilean Mummies that Reveals the Lethal Weapon that Exterminated Millions of People
- [U-S-NEWS.COM](https://u-s-news.com/travel-lifestyle-ancient-mummy-dna-reveals-colonization-spread-smallpox) — Travel & Lifestyle: Ancient Mummy DNA Reveals Colonization Spread Smallpox
- [Discover Magazine](https://discovermagazine.com/ancient-smallpox-dna-hidden-in-two-chilean-mummies-traces-the-disease-s-colonial-arrival-49481) — Ancient Smallpox DNA Hidden in Two Chilean Mummies Traces the Disease’s Colonial Arrival
- [KOB 4](https://kob.com/ap-top-news/ancient-mummy-dna-provides-scientific-evidence-that-colonization-brought-smallpox-to-the-americas) — Ancient mummy DNA provides scientific evidence that colonization brought smallpox to the Americas
- [Emirates24|7](https://emirates247.com/world/smallpox-dna-is-recovered-from-spanish-conquest-era-chilean-mummies/4100) — Smallpox DNA is recovered from Spanish conquest-era Chilean mummies
- [CNN Greece](https://cnn.gr/kosmos/story/546006/erevnites-anektisan-dna-evlogias-apo-dyo-moymies-sti-xili) — Researchers Recover Smallpox DNA From Two Mummies in Chile
- [Western Morning News](https://westernmorning.news/2026/07/30/ancient-mummy-dna-offers-strongest-evidence-yet-that-colonization-brought-smallpox-to-the-americas) — Ancient mummy DNA offers strongest evidence yet that colonization brought smallpox to the Americas
- [Cyprus Mail](https://cyprus-mail.com/2026/07/30/smallpox-dna-is-recovered-from-spanish-conquest-era-chilean-mummies) — Smallpox DNA is recovered from Spanish conquest-era Chilean mummies
- [Hospodárske Noviny](https://hnonline.sk/science/medicina/96294563-prelomovy-objav-v-stopach-kolonizatorov-z-mumii-z-obdobia-spanielskej-kolonizacie-v-cile-izolovali-dna-kiahni) — A Breakthrough Discovery in the Footsteps of the Colonizers. Smallpox DNA Isolated From Mummies From the Period of Spanish Colonization in Chile
- [My Mother Lode](https://mymotherlode.com/news/world/11028898/ancient-mummy-dna-provides-scientific-evidence-that-colonization-brought-smallpox-to-the-americas.html) — Ancient mummy DNA provides scientific evidence that colonization brought smallpox to the Americas
- [HuffPost](https://huffpost.com/entry/ancient-mummy-dna-reveals-colonization-spread-smallpox_n_6a6b9a12e4b01948ae9a9167) — Ancient Mummy DNA Reveals Colonization Spread Smallpox
- [Protothema](https://protothema.gr/world/article/1858425/ereunites-anektisan-dna-eulogias-apo-duo-moumies-sti-hili-tin-meteferan-oi-ispanoi-konkistadores-5-aiones-piso) — Researchers Recover Smallpox DNA From Two Mummies in Chile, Brought by Spanish "Conquistadors" 5 Centuries Ago
- [Daily Camera](https://dailycamera.com/2026/07/30/ancient-smallpox-spread-americas) — Ancient mummy DNA provides scientific evidence that colonization brought smallpox to the Americas
- [The Record](https://troyrecord.com/2026/07/30/ancient-smallpox-spread-americas) — Ancient mummy DNA provides scientific evidence that colonization brought smallpox to the Americas
- [Reuters](https://reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/smallpox-dna-is-recovered-spanish-conquest-era-chilean-mummies-2026-07-30) — Smallpox DNA is recovered from Spanish conquest-era Chilean mummies
- [Stuff](https://stuff.co.nz/world-news/361013793/ancient-mummy-dna-provides-scientific-evidence-coloniza) — Ancient mummy DNA provides scientific evidence that colonization brought smallpox to the Americas
- [The Toronto Star](https://thestar.com/news/world/ancient-mummy-dna-provides-scientific-evidence-that-colonization-brought-smallpox-to-the-americas/article_7cd207c6-1fc2-59a0-8724-e7932e300e26.html) — Ancient mummy DNA provides scientific evidence that colonization brought smallpox to the Americas
- [El Pais](https://elpais.com/ciencia/2026-07-30/dos-momias-de-hace-500-anos-confirman-que-los-europeos-llevaron-la-viruela-a-america-proviene-del-viejo-mundo.html) — Two 500-Year-Old Mummies Confirm that Europeans Brought Smallpox to America: “It Comes From the Old World”
- [The Seattle Times](https://seattletimes.com/seattle-news/science/ancient-mummy-dna-provides-scientific-evidence-that-colonization-brought-smallpox-to-the-americas) — Ancient mummy DNA provides scientific evidence that colonization brought smallpox to the Americas
- [Newsday](https://newsday.com/news/nation/smallpox-virus-chile-ancient-mummy-dna-q77235) — Ancient mummy DNA provides scientific evidence that colonization brought smallpox to the Americas
- [Associated Press News](https://apnews.com/article/smallpox-virus-chile-ancient-mummy-dna-8dd85389318ceaafd56169b0c638fb68) — Ancient mummy DNA provides scientific evidence that colonization brought smallpox to the Americas
- [Cecil Daily](https://cecildaily.com/ap/nation/ancient-mummy-dna-provides-scientific-evidence-that-colonization-brought-smallpox-to-the-americas/article_630c4c6c-5e9d-5d23-974b-a5caeb023749.html) — Ancient mummy DNA provides scientific evidence that colonization brought smallpox to the Americas
- [Daily Journal](https://djournal.com/news/nation-world/ancient-mummy-dna-provides-scientific-evidence-that-colonization-brought-smallpox-to-the-americas/article_ee0c9d15-0787-5277-94e0-c3e88613abbc.html) — Ancient mummy DNA provides scientific evidence that colonization brought smallpox to the Americas
- [Jonesboro Sun](https://jonesborosun.com/news/national/ancient-mummy-dna-provides-scientific-evidence-that-colonization-brought-smallpox-to-the-americas/article_112b1a87-0373-509b-9607-976f5d92a170.html) — Ancient mummy DNA provides scientific evidence that colonization brought smallpox to the Americas
- [KULR-TV](https://kulr8.com/news/national/ancient-mummy-dna-provides-scientific-evidence-that-colonization-brought-smallpox-to-the-americas/article_f79403e8-5316-55f6-92c5-fd1dcf324a11.html) — Ancient mummy DNA provides scientific evidence that colonization brought smallpox to the Americas
- [Ottumwa Courier](https://ottumwacourier.com/news/national_news/ancient-mummy-dna-provides-scientific-evidence-that-colonization-brought-smallpox-to-the-americas/article_0040d868-0727-5409-aabb-be7768ad97ed.html) — Ancient mummy DNA provides scientific evidence that colonization brought smallpox to the Americas
- [Richmond Register](https://richmondregister.com/ap/national/ancient-mummy-dna-provides-scientific-evidence-that-colonization-brought-smallpox-to-the-americas/article_d746b388-59c3-5173-a39a-d99109c6ad84.html) — Ancient mummy DNA provides scientific evidence that colonization brought smallpox to the Americas
- [The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel](https://gjsentinel.com/news/us/ancient-mummy-dna-provides-scientific-evidence-that-colonization-brought-smallpox-to-the-americas/article_cc2e6b65-aebf-5b54-aa4d-cbac7fdb4cfa.html) — Ancient mummy DNA provides scientific evidence that colonization brought smallpox to the Americas
- [The Independent](https://independent.co.uk/news/americas-chile-new-york-scientists-outbreaks-b3024900.html) — Ancient mummy DNA provides scientific evidence that colonization brought smallpox to the Americas
- [The Independent Online](https://dailyindependent.com/national/ancient-mummy-dna-provides-scientific-evidence-that-colonization-brought-smallpox-to-the-americas/article_df55a696-1fbf-5978-a0b5-99ea55296689.html) — Ancient mummy DNA provides scientific evidence that colonization brought smallpox to the Americas
- [The Northern Virginia Daily](https://nvdaily.com/associated_press_national/ancient-mummy-dna-provides-scientific-evidence-that-colonization-brought-smallpox-to-the-americas/article_0e3c2096-2b83-508f-9d80-266c2c6cc85e.html) — Ancient mummy DNA provides scientific evidence that colonization brought smallpox to the Americas
- [The Times-Tribune](https://thetimestribune.com/news/national_news/ancient-mummy-dna-provides-scientific-evidence-that-colonization-brought-smallpox-to-the-americas/article_4af555d0-1d90-59ce-b7b4-074e8e4c28ea.html) — Ancient mummy DNA provides scientific evidence that colonization brought smallpox to the Americas
- [Yankton Press & Dakotan](https://yankton.net/news/national_ap/article_684aa500-afba-5d4d-94c2-3b72fa735dd9.html) — Ancient mummy DNA provides scientific evidence that colonization brought smallpox to the Americas
- [Yuma Sun](https://yumasun.com/news/national_news/ancient-mummy-dna-provides-scientific-evidence-that-colonization-brought-smallpox-to-the-americas/article_5288a8c0-8d22-5c87-990d-6543c22fd493.html) — Ancient mummy DNA provides scientific evidence that colonization brought smallpox to the Americas
- [WKMG](https://clickorlando.com/tech/2026/07/30/ancient-mummy-dna-provides-scientific-evidence-that-colonization-brought-smallpox-to-the-americas) — Ancient mummy DNA provides scientific evidence that colonization brought smallpox to the Americas
- [The Straits Times](https://straitstimes.com/world/smallpox-dna-is-recovered-from-spanish-conquest-era-chilean-mummies) — Smallpox DNA is recovered from Spanish conquest-era Chilean mummies
- [WTVB](https://wtvbam.com/2026/07/30/smallpox-dna-is-recovered-from-spanish-conquest-era-chilean-mummies) — Smallpox DNA is recovered from Spanish conquest-era Chilean mummies
- [Live Science](https://livescience.com/archaeology/americas/500-year-old-inca-mummies-prove-that-european-colonists-brought-devastating-smallpox-to-the-americas) — 500-year-old Inca mummies prove that European colonists brought devastating smallpox to the Americas
- [Popular Science](https://popsci.com/science/oldest-smallpox-dna-chilean-mummies) — Chilean mummies prove Europeans brought smallpox to the Americas
- [abc](https://abc.es/salud/adn-antiguo-virus-viruela-revela-enfermedad-arraso-20260730200000-nt.html) — The Ancient DNA of the Smallpox Virus Reveals How the Disease Ravaged the New World
- [Popular Archaeology](https://popular-archaeology.com/article/chilean-mummies-preserve-ancient-smallpox-genome-that-traces-disease-to-european-colonization) — Chilean mummies preserve ancient smallpox genome that traces disease to European colonization
- [The Hamilton Spectator](https://thespec.com/news/world/ancient-mummy-dna-provides-scientific-evidence-that-colonization-brought-smallpox-to-the-americas/article_598beaf9-b5cf-536c-a70f-60ab6056f457.html) — Ancient mummy DNA provides scientific evidence that colonization brought smallpox to the Americas
- [Scientific American](https://scientificamerican.com/article/chilean-mummies-reveal-a-lost-lineage-of-smallpox) — Chilean mummies reveal a lost lineage of smallpox
- [Winnipeg Free Press](https://winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/life/sci-tech/2026/07/30/ancient-mummy-dna-provides-scientific-evidence-that-colonization-brought-smallpox-to-the-americas) — Ancient mummy DNA provides scientific evidence that colonization brought smallpox to the Americas
- [udgtv](https://udgtv.com/noticias/analisis-genoma-viruela-en-momias-de-chile-revela-origen/326733) — They Found a Genetic Test Confirming that Europeans Brought Smallpox to America
- [Science](https://science.org/content/article/ancient-dna-confirms-historical-accounts-how-smallpox-got-americas) — Ancient DNA confirms historical accounts of how smallpox got to the Americas

## Questions

**What did the ancient DNA study confirm?**

The study confirmed that smallpox outbreaks in the Americas during the 16th century were caused by strains of the virus brought from Europe. Researchers sequenced DNA from skeletal remains in Mexico, matching it to European smallpox strains, providing the first direct genetic evidence for this historical claim.

**Why was this genetic evidence significant?**

Before this study, there was no direct genetic proof linking colonial-era smallpox outbreaks in the Americas to European strains. Historical accounts suggested the connection, but the DNA evidence now confirms it, filling a gap in the scientific record of how the virus spread during colonisation.

**Which outlets reported the story?**

Two centre-rated outlets (*The Indiana Gazette Online* and *Columbia Gorge News*) and three right-rated outlets (*Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer*, *The Messenger*, and *News-Topic*) ran digests of the story. No left-rated outlet covered the findings, and none of the reports included additional context or quotes.

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MediaBias News — https://mediabias.news. Reproduced from https://mediabias.news/health/ancient-dna-links-colonial-smallpox-in-americas-to-european-strains. Please cite as: MediaBias News, "Ancient DNA links colonial smallpox in Americas to European strains", https://mediabias.news/health/ancient-dna-links-colonial-smallpox-in-americas-to-european-strains