Peruvian Mummies' Lice Came from Africa
When humans migrated out of Africa 100,000 years ago, they were likely carrying stowaways. Scientists who've tested head lice taken from Peruvian mummies found the strains of these little parasites were nearly identical to those that were irritating our ancestors in Africa.
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RENEE MONTAGNE, host:
Good morning, I'm Renee Montagne.
When humans migrated out of Africa a hundred thousand years ago, they were likely carrying stow-aways. Scientists who've tested head lice taken from Peruvian mummies found the strains of these little parasites were nearly identical to those that were irritating our ancestors in Africa. In the Journal of Infectious Diseases, researchers said Peruvian mummies were particularly lousy. One had five hundred of the ancient critters in its hair.
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