Yellow Fever Lesson Learned

Yellow Fever: A Lesson to be Learned
Thru our History there has had a numerous of unforgettable moments that left scars in the nations society. One of most memorable tragedies took place in 1793, the epidemic of the Yellow Fever. At the time of the spread of the disease, no one imagined that the Delaware River, who provided Philadelphia with goods and wealth, was going to turn its back on the citizens and provide them with death and sorrows. Yellow Fever was a disease that was carried by a mosquito, its microscopic bite gave the victims a numerous of horrifying symptoms. It was so drastic that doctors of that time had no idea how to treat it, and the decisions that a medical professional took was not the smartest one. Until this day,

we can understand what triggered the spread of this deadly epidemic and take measures to prevent another foolish trial.
The Delaware River was the gateway that provided Philadelphia with many exported goods. Its waterfront was a place of commerce “where rich merchants rubbed elbows with sailors, small-business men, and newly arrived immigrants…” (Flyover History, p.100). It was a crowded and filthy place in all its senses, from animal feces to decomposing of garbage. Adding this to the summer heat, it became the perfect incubation area for the mosquitoes that carried the deadly disease. This combination was the perfect trigger that brought life to the epidemic of the yellow fever.
Although little was known about the cause, it was certain that the drastic disease had to be identified by its symptoms. Medical professional made the decision. It was to be named Yellow Fever because of the elevated body temperature of the victim and the yellowish coloration it left on their skin. Yellow fever had a variety of symptoms within its victims. Some presented chills and body temperature above “104 degree; others fought violent nausea, hiccupping and vomiting” (Flyover History, p.101). In worse cases, the liver was affected severely; due to this the patient suffered abnormal bleeding and a vomiting of dark mass. The damage done to the liver caused a pale yellow coloration on the skin (now known as jaundice). With this last symptom, the life of the victim was finalized. Doctors curing their patients were astonished by the unknown. Like a recognized Philadelphia doctor, who in desperation for a cure, gave unbelievable treatments to his patients.
Benjamin Rush was a distinguished professional during the time of the epidemic.

Rush was equally important to both medicine and politics, since he was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Known as Dr. Rush, he was a medical professor and quiet skillful at this practice. In 1793 when the epidemic hit Philadelphia, the people turned to him to save their lives. With all his knowledge, he strongly believed that a violent epidemic deserved a violent treatment, and he applied this to his patients. Dr. Rush recommended that “80% of the patient’s blood …-be drained away to effect the cure” (Flyover History, p.102). Mirroring this drastic measure he also dosed his patients with “10 times” (Flyover History, p.102) the amount of calomel and jalap. This “overdose” triggered the patients to produce intestinal bleeding. Despite the disapproval of his co-workers, he stubbornly continued this practice. Although less than 50% of his patients survive, he died strongly believing that he was the hero that saved Philadelphia from a greater grief. In recent research science has found that the success to the survival of the people could have been larger if less painful treatments would have been applied. Taking this research to practice, modern medicine has self recommended further research and knowledge of a disease before curing a

patient.
History is a diary of experiences. By going back to read its confessions, we can gain knowledge from the mistakes of those who came before us. In the case of the Yellow Fever that hit Philadelphia, there is a lot to be learned. As the pages are read we cannot help to notice that the lack of hygiene and knowledge of such disease were the major factors that lead to so many deaths. With the mistakes done by Dr. Rush, modern medicine, and society can learn that full knowledge of an epidemic needs to be learned before applying any foolish cure to any person. Therefore, it is the duty of History and Science to hold hands and walk humanity thru a safe path, out of any possible historical crisis.