Typhus, small pox, measles & TSS have been attributed. Also ? anthrax & recent epidemics in Africa - ? Ebola.
Plague of Athens as described by Thucydides is likely typhus – epidemic typhus. Commonly seen in overcrowded place following natural calamities or war – as was the case in Athens. Incubation period of 2-5 days (up to 2 weeks) can start as sudden onset severe headache & sudden fever with chlls associated with generalised pains, myalgia and conjunctivitis. > 60% develop a cough.
On 3rd to 5th day (4-7days) develop rash & toxaemia. Maculopapular pink spots beginning in trunk & spreads peripherally or may be petechiae. These are likely the rash/pustules that Thucidydes describes. Rash dry away leaving black scabs.
Sometimes known as Doctor’s disease as there is an increased incidence among people caring for the affected ones – also described by Thucydides. Outbreaks during First WW patients are reported to have jumped into water tanks to alleviate extreme thirst.
Severe complications include pneumonia, confusion & delirium, encephalitis & gangrene of fingers & toe tips. Without treatment usually fatal in 7 days. Extreme cases also noted haemorrhages & intestinal perforation seen.
Plague of Athens as described by Thucydides is likely typhus – epidemic typhus. Commonly seen in overcrowded place following natural calamities or war – as was the case in Athens. Incubation period of 2-5 days (up to 2 weeks) can start as sudden onset severe headache & sudden fever with chlls associated with generalised pains, myalgia and conjunctivitis. > 60% develop a cough.
On 3rd to 5th day (4-7days) develop rash & toxaemia. Maculopapular pink spots beginning in trunk & spreads peripherally or may be petechiae. These are likely the rash/pustules that Thucidydes describes. Rash dry away leaving black scabs.
Sometimes known as Doctor’s disease as there is an increased incidence among people caring for the affected ones – also described by Thucydides. Outbreaks during First WW patients are reported to have jumped into water tanks to alleviate extreme thirst.
Severe complications include pneumonia, confusion & delirium, encephalitis & gangrene of fingers & toe tips. Without treatment usually fatal in 7 days. Extreme cases also noted haemorrhages & intestinal perforation seen.
Sources include E medicine, Wikipedia, Encyclopedia Brittanica, Medline & others)
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