National Hotel disease

A mysterious illness outbreak in 1857

The National Hotel in Washington, D.C., where the outbreak occurred

The National Hotel disease was a mysterious illness that affected numerous guests at the National Hotel in Washington, D.C. during the winter of 1857. The outbreak coincided with the inauguration of President James Buchanan, leading to widespread speculation and concern.

Background

The National Hotel was one of the most prominent hotels in Washington, D.C., frequented by politicians and dignitaries. In early 1857, the hotel became the center of a public health crisis when guests began to fall ill with a mysterious disease.

Symptoms

The symptoms of the National Hotel disease included severe gastrointestinal distress, such as vomiting and diarrhea, along with fever, headache, and fatigue. The illness was debilitating and, in some cases, led to death.

Outbreak

The outbreak began in January 1857 and peaked around the time of President Buchanan's inauguration in March. Many of the guests who attended the inauguration festivities and stayed at the hotel were affected. The illness spread rapidly among the guests, causing panic and fear.

Theories

Several theories were proposed to explain the cause of the National Hotel disease. Some believed it was due to food poisoning, possibly from contaminated water or food served at the hotel. Others speculated about poisoning or bioterrorism, given the political climate of the time.

Contaminated Water

One of the most widely accepted theories was that the hotel's water supply was contaminated. The plumbing system at the time was rudimentary, and it was possible that sewage had leaked into the drinking water.

Political Conspiracy

Given the timing of the outbreak, some speculated that it was a deliberate act of poisoning aimed at political figures attending the inauguration. However, no evidence was found to support this theory.

Impact

The National Hotel disease had a significant impact on public health awareness and sanitation practices in the United States. It highlighted the need for improved sanitation and public health measures, particularly in urban areas.

Aftermath

After the outbreak, the National Hotel underwent extensive cleaning and renovations to address the suspected causes of the illness. The incident also led to increased scrutiny of public health practices in hotels and other public accommodations.

Related pages

• James Buchanan
• Public health
• Epidemiology
• Foodborne illness