Casimir's Tomb Released Toxic Fungus

In May 1973, a 12-member conservation team opened the tomb of Polish king Casimir IV Jagiellon at Krakow's Wawel Cathedral to assess it for restoration. Over the following years, 10 members reportedly died prematurely and unexpectedly, inspiring rumors of a "Jagiellonian curse." Microbiologist Boleslaw Smyk later identified Aspergillus flavus inside the tomb, a fungus capable of producing highly toxic and carcinogenic aflatoxins.

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