The Malignant Fever

Summary 

  On August 3, 1793, many people from Philadelphia noticed some sudden changes, like heavy, humid air, which attracted lots of flies and other insects. Mosquitoes could be mostly found on sewers/sinks, which were big holes where runnof water and other stuff were collected. They first thought that the abundance of pigeons had brought some kid of "unhealthy air", or sickness. Dr. Benjamin Rush was investigating to figure out what was happening, so he started to focus on ilnesses that had happened throughout the year, like the mumps, mouth infections, scarlet fever and influenza. He noticed there was something in the "heat and drought" that was affecting the human body, even though it was uncommon. He finally concluded that it was a bilious fever , that began with chills, headache, and pain in the back, arms and legs. Dr. Rush also conluded that the disease was yellow fever, that had struck some years before. After people noticed all that was going on, they began to leave the city, into other places in the country, about 20,000 people left the city during the fever.

Quotes

  "The smoke of tobacco," he pointed out, "being regarded as a representative, many persons, even women and small boys, had segars almost constantly in their mouths." (27)

   This quote shows how the people are desperate to find a way to end the fever, or at least not be infected with the disease. People thought that stong smells like the tobacco or vinegar would help you to not contract the disease, so many people began to follow these recommendations. 

"The tolling bells that had thoroughly terrified everyone were ordered to remain still. The silence that followed did little to comfort those left behind. It was too much like the eternal silence of the grave" (33)

 This quote is very important to the whole story, because it explains the fear of the people during that moment. Also something that is very  important is that they explain about the bells. The bell was a way to show when a person had died, when someone died the bell sounded once. 

Conclusion

The story is showing the perspective of the people at the time where the disease, they were really scared, because they didnt know how this illness was contracted, or how to stop it. They were scared because there was no cure.