Grethe Rask

Grethe Rask (1930 – 12 December 1977) was a Danish physician and surgeon who is notable for her early work in Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo) and her role in the early history of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Early Life and Education

Grethe Rask was born in 1930 in Denmark. She pursued a career in medicine, specializing in surgery. Rask completed her medical education at the University of Copenhagen, where she earned her medical degree.

Medical Career

After completing her education, Rask worked in various hospitals in Denmark before moving to Zaire in the early 1970s. She joined a mission hospital in Abumombazi, where she provided medical care to the local population. Her work primarily involved surgery and general medical practice.

Illness and Death

In 1974, Rask began experiencing symptoms of an unknown illness, including persistent fatigue, weight loss, and respiratory issues. Despite returning to Denmark for medical treatment, her condition continued to deteriorate. She was admitted to the Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen, where she died on 12 December 1977.

Significance in HIV/AIDS History

Grethe Rask's illness and subsequent death were later identified as one of the earliest known cases of HIV/AIDS. Her case provided crucial insights into the disease, which was not officially recognized until the early 1980s. Posthumous analysis of her medical records and tissue samples confirmed the presence of HIV.

Legacy

Rask's case has been extensively studied in the context of the early history of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Her contributions to medicine and her role in the early identification of HIV/AIDS have been recognized by the medical community.

See Also

• HIV/AIDS
• History of HIV/AIDS
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• University of Copenhagen
• Rigshospitalet