A Short Account of the Malignant Fever

A Short Account of the Malignant Fever, Lately Prevalent in Philadelphia is a significant historical document authored by Mathew Carey, an Irish-born American publisher and economist. Published in 1793, this pamphlet provides a detailed account of the yellow fever epidemic that devastated Philadelphia, then the capital of the United States, during the late summer and fall of that year. Carey's work is not only a medical and social chronicle but also serves as a primary source for understanding the impact of the epidemic on the city's population, social fabric, and economy.

Background

In the summer of 1793, Philadelphia was struck by a deadly outbreak of yellow fever, a mosquito-borne viral disease characterized by fever, chills, severe headache, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. In severe cases, the disease can cause jaundice, bleeding, and organ failure, leading to death. The epidemic lasted for several months, peaking in October, and is estimated to have claimed the lives of over 5,000 people, roughly 10% of the city's population at the time.

Content and Impact

A Short Account of the Malignant Fever provides a vivid description of the symptoms, transmission, and effects of the disease, as well as the public and private responses to the crisis. Carey criticized the lack of preparedness and the inadequate response of the city's officials and medical professionals, while also highlighting the heroic efforts of individuals and groups who cared for the sick and worked to contain the spread of the disease.

The pamphlet also discusses the social and economic impact of the epidemic, including the widespread fear and panic that led to the flight of thousands of residents, including prominent figures such as George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, from the city. The epidemic severely disrupted trade and commerce, leading to economic hardship for many of the city's inhabitants.

Carey's account was instrumental in raising awareness of the need for better public health measures and infrastructure in American cities to prevent future outbreaks. It also contributed to the ongoing debates about the causes of yellow fever and the best methods for its treatment and prevention, which at the time were poorly understood.

Legacy

A Short Account of the Malignant Fever remains an important document for historians and researchers studying the history of medicine, public health, and the social history of the United States in the late 18th century. It provides insight into the challenges faced by early American cities in dealing with public health crises and the ways in which such crises could shape the development of public health policies and infrastructure.