And [even] before the Spaniards had risen against us, a pestilence first came to be prevalent: the smallpox. It was the month of Tepeilhuitl when it began, and it spread over the people as great destruction. Some it quite covered with blisters on all parts – their faces, their heads, their chests, etc. . . . Entirely covered with blisters, very many people died of them. And very many starved; there was death from hunger, for none could take care of the sick; nothing could be done for them. –The Florentine Codex, 1579 What conclusion can be drawn from this passage?