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What famous person had rabies?

Published in Medical History 2 mins read

Based on current information, it's suggested that Edgar Allan Poe may have died from rabies.

The Case of Edgar Allan Poe

While the cause of Edgar Allan Poe's death has been debated for years, one particularly compelling theory suggests that he may have succumbed to rabies. This hypothesis is not definitively proven, but it is supported by certain symptoms he displayed in the days before his death.

Poe's Symptoms and Rabies

  • A doctor at the University of Maryland has suggested that Poe's symptoms fit a pattern seen in rabies patients.
  • Poe's delirium would seem to improve, and then worsen again. This fluctuating pattern is often associated with late-stage rabies.

Why the Rabies Theory is Interesting

The rabies theory is plausible due to the way the disease progresses, which aligns with some of the recorded details of Poe's illness. While there were other ideas about what killed Poe, the rabies possibility is an interesting one to consider. It is important to remember that this remains a theory, since it could not be confirmed.

Therefore, based on this research, Edgar Allan Poe is the only famous person who has been suggested to have died of rabies.

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