The Common Nature of Epidemics, and their relation to climate and civilizationSmith, Southwood
History
The Common Nature of Epidemics, and their relation to climate and civilization
Smith, Southwood
Communicable diseases; Epidemics; Quarantine
infected,—and without communicating infection to any individual of
their families;—though, like the washerwomen, the greater part of
these men suffered severely when the epidemic became general. It is
admitted that the Cape de Verde Islands are within the Yellow Fever
zone, and are liable to frequent and severe outbreaks of epidemic
fever. It is admitted that the physical and social conditions of Boa
Vista are eminently those which are found by universal experience to
localize epidemic diseases whenever an epidemic influence is present.
It is admitted that the “Eclair” arrived at Boa Vista at the season of
the year when endemic fevers usually prevail. It is admitted that at
the very time of her arrival, Yellow Fever was actually prevailing at
Porto Praya, in the island of St Jago, into which it is not alleged
that the disease had been introduced by importation. It is admitted
that some time before the outbreak of the epidemic, the atmospheric
and other conditions which usually precede and accompany the
development of epidemic disease, were so manifest as to attract
general attention. It is proved that sporadic cases of the disease
appeared, as is usual, some time before the presence of the epidemic
was declared in its distinct and recognized form. It is admitted that
the epidemic influence extended to animals as well as man, a mortal
epizootic disease prevailing over the whole of the island at the same
time. It is proved that the epidemic did not break out until about a
month or six weeks after the “Eclair,” with all her crew, healthy and
sick, had left the island. It is admitted that a similar epidemic
appeared among men and animals the following year, not imported, but
entirely of local origin.
Footnote 37:
The aggregate number of the lists furnished by Dr M‘William.
A consideration of these circumstances has satisfied most of those who
have inquired into the case, that the arrival of the “Eclair” at Boa
Vista with fever among her crew, and the occurrence of a similar disease
on the island, were mere coincident events, and that the appearances
which might at first view have given some colour to the notion of
importation were fallacious.
Among those who arrived at these conclusions were—The Governor-General,
who says:—
“The disease was perfectly endemic. Not one of those who emigrated to
the different islands of the Archipelago had the disease or communicated
it to others. It did not make its appearance till a month after the
departure of the steamer.... The disease had its origin in the great
falls of rain which took place at a very advanced period of the season,
and which remained stagnant in the neighbourhood of the place.”
Mr Rendall, the Consul, who says:—
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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