Sweating sickness

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Sweating sickness
Synonyms English sweating sickness, English sweat, (Latin) sudor anglicus
Pronounce N/A
Field
Symptoms chills, body pains, weakness
Complications
Onset
Duration
Types
Causes Unknown
Risks
Diagnosis
Differential diagnosis
Prevention
Treatment
Medication
Prognosis
Frequency
Deaths


The Sweating Sickness, also known as the "Sweate" or "English Sweat", was a mysterious and highly contagious disease that struck England, particularly in the 15th and 16th centuries, causing rapid and severe illness often leading to death.[1]

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

The disease was characterized by sudden onset of fever, accompanied by severe sweating, headache, shortness of breath, and rapid heartbeat. It had a very high mortality rate, with death often occurring within hours or a few days of the onset of symptoms.[2]

History[edit | edit source]

The disease first appeared in England in 1485, and reappeared in various outbreaks until 1551, after which it disappeared. The most severe outbreak occurred in 1508. Notably, the disease appeared to affect only humans, with no reports of animal illness related to this disease.[3]

Causes and Transmission[edit | edit source]

The cause of the Sweating Sickness remains unknown. Theories have suggested a viral origin, possibly a hantavirus, or a zoonotic disease transmitted from animals to humans. The rapid spread and high mortality rate suggest a highly contagious agent.[4]

Impact[edit | edit source]

The disease had a significant impact on English society, causing widespread fear and disruption. The rapid onset and high mortality rate created a sense of panic during outbreaks, and the disease is thought to have influenced historical events of the time, including the reign of Henry VIII.[5]

See also[edit | edit source]

Further reading[edit | edit source]


Classification
External resources


Sweating sickness[edit | edit source]

  • Sweating sickness

  • Sweating sickness

  • Sweating sickness

  • Sweating sickness

  • Sweating sickness

  1. ↑ , The Sweate: The Story of the Mysterious Sweating Sickness,
  2. ↑ , Sweating Sickness: A Reappraisal, Historical Journal,
  3. ↑ , The Sweate: The Story of the Mysterious Sweating Sickness,
  4. ↑ , Hantavirus and the English Sweating Sickness, Emerging Infectious Diseases,
  5. ↑ , Henry VIII and the Sweating Sickness,
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD