Sweating sickness, also known as the English sweating sickness, was a mysterious and highly contagious disease that ravaged England and parts of continental Europe in a series of devastating epidemics between 1485 and 1551. Characterized by its sudden onset and profuse sweating, it resulted in a high mortality rate.
Symptoms and Onset
The disease manifested abruptly. Initial symptoms included a feeling of apprehension, followed quickly by violent chills, dizziness, headache, exhaustion, and intense pain in the neck and limbs. Profuse sweating was a defining characteristic, often accompanied by a high fever. The illness progressed rapidly, sometimes leading to death within hours.
Epidemics and Impact
Five major epidemics occurred: 1485, 1508, 1517, 1528, and 1551. England was hit hardest, although mainland Europe experienced at least one outbreak. The rapid spread and high mortality significantly impacted the population. The disease is referenced in historical accounts, such as in Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall, highlighting its devastating impact on families and society.
The Mystery of the Cause
The exact cause of sweating sickness remains unknown. Various theories have been proposed, including scarlet fever, anthrax, typhus, influenza, and enteroviruses. However, no definitive conclusion has been reached. The lack of detailed medical records from that era complicates research efforts.
Historical Context
Sweating sickness provides a compelling glimpse into the challenges faced by medical practitioners and societies during the pre-modern era. The speed of the disease's progression, its high mortality rate, and the lack of effective treatments made it a particularly terrifying phenomenon. The epidemics led to various forms of self-isolation and community responses to mitigate the spread.
