Diseases
The rapid deterioration in the quality of the water was a growing danger for London's Victorian population. Diseases could develop very quickly as many houses got their water for drinking and washing from the river.
Cholera first spread in London in the Second Pandemic in October 1831 when it killed 32,000 people.
This intestinal infection is caused by the bacterium Vibrio Cholerae. It is usually transmitted by drinking contaminated water. Infected persons suffer from severe diarrhoea and vomiting which leads to dehydration and eventually death.
During the Third Pandemic it claimed 52,000 lives over two years in England in 1848.
1854 was the worst year: the cholera outbreak in the Soho district caused over 500 deaths in 10 days.
Cholera first spread in London in the Second Pandemic in October 1831 when it killed 32,000 people.
This intestinal infection is caused by the bacterium Vibrio Cholerae. It is usually transmitted by drinking contaminated water. Infected persons suffer from severe diarrhoea and vomiting which leads to dehydration and eventually death.
During the Third Pandemic it claimed 52,000 lives over two years in England in 1848.
1854 was the worst year: the cholera outbreak in the Soho district caused over 500 deaths in 10 days.
Mother's Remedies: Cholera - Tomatoes will relieve
Make a syrup of peeled tomatoes well sweetened with white sugar. Give one teaspoonful every half hour. This syrup is very soothing and the tomatoes are especially good if there is some ulcerated condition of the bowels. This preparation should always be strained before using.
|
Like cholera, typhoid fever can be spread by feculent water and infected many people in the Victorian era. Typhoid is not to be mistaken with typhus, which is caused by a different type of bacteria.
People contract the disease by contact with water contaminated with the bacterium Salmonella enterica enterica, serovar Typhi. Symptoms are fever, slow heart rate, rose-coloured spots, delirium, and constipation or diarrhoea.
There were frequent outbreaks of typhoid fever, especially in poorer parts of London in a hot summer in 1846.
Diphtheria is a respiratory tract illness causing fever and rapid / difficult breathing.
Scrofula is closely connected to tuberculosis and affects the lymph nodes.
Both were widespread as well, but do not count to waterborne diseases.