History of the epidemic yellow fever, at New Orleans, La., in 1853 / by E.D. Fenner.

  • Fenner, E. D. (Erasmus Darwin), 1807-1866.
Date:
1854
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: History of the epidemic yellow fever, at New Orleans, La., in 1853 / by E.D. Fenner. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the National Library of Medicine (U.S.), through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the National Library of Medicine (U.S.)

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    pronounce a most erroneous impression of their duty to the public, studiously endeavour to conceal or suppress the true state of affairs. The results of this course are, in the first place, to deter some of our most respectable physicians from saying a word about the first cases of yellow fever they see, on account of the disagree- able notoriety they must incur ; and secondly, to induce many persons, who wish to leave the city as soon as yellow fever appears, to remain until they are exposed to imminent danger, for want of correct information. All this is wrong from beginning to end, and I do hope that the awful calamities which have lately befallen us will awaken the citizens of New Orleans to a just sense of their j past errors and lead to a reformation that shall redound to the honor, glory, and greatness of this goodly city. The policy hither- to pursued in regard to this matter by our city government, news- paper press and business men generally must be changed in totof before we can hope for deliverance from the evils that beset us. The great subject of public health must be set aside and neglected no longer, but should command that serious consideration which its importance deserves. 'Tis vain for us to expect to get clear of such an enemy to our happiness and prosperity as yellow fever by shutting our eyes against the facts annually presented to our view, by repudiating the disease or denying its existence in our midst, until its frightful ravages gain publicity in spite of us, and call forth the pity and charity of the benevolent throughout the Union. We must enter into a thorough investigation of the origin of yellow fever, and resort to the most efficient measures of relief, cost what it may. Time was, when this disease was unknown here. From the best information I can obtain, New Orleans was in existence three-quarters of a century before the first epidemic of this disease prevailed here, and it is only within the present year that it has prevailed over the large plantations within sight of the city. Is it not possible to restore the sanitary condition that existed be- fore this disease prevailed here? Many cities and towns have been severely scourged by yellow fever for successive years, but finally got rid of it. Let us endeavor to ascertain how they got clear of it, and do as they did. If they expelled it by removing all filth and stagnant waters, let us make our city clean and dry. If they owe their de-