In the year of our lord 1348, there happened at florence, the finest city in all italy a most terrible plague; which, whether owing to the influence of the planets, or that it was sent from god as a just punishment for our sins, had broken out some years before in the levant (middle east) and, after passing from place to place, and making incredible havoc all the way, had now reached the west…
[the plague] occasioned various fears and devices amongst those who survived, all tending to the same uncharit
he states that it was caused by rats.
he states that it caused reckless behavior.
he states that it spread from the middle east.
he states that people did not avoid the sick.