'Disease has long been weaponized against those who are perceived as “other.” From the bubonic plague of the 14th century to tuberculosis and H.I.V., the examples echo throughout the history of medicine. When people are frightened, they seek someone to blame, to create a narrative — even if that narrative is false — in which disease is punishment rather than a random unlucky event.'

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/21/opinion/the-next-pandemic-blame.html