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The Forgotten Plague: Unraveling the Mystery of Encephalitis Lethargica

Rex Hayes

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The year is 1917. The world is engulfed in the throes of the First World War. In the midst of the chaos and carnage, a mysterious new illness emerges, striking people with a vengeance that would leave an enduring mark on medical history.

This illness, known as encephalitis lethargica, was a baffling and terrifying phenomenon. It presented with a wide range of symptoms, from mild headaches and fevers to profound lethargy and coma. Some patients experienced involuntary muscle spasms that contorted their bodies into bizarre and grotesque positions. Others fell into a state of sleep that could last for months, even years.

Encephalitis Lethargica: During and After the Epidemic

by Kino MacGregor

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3559 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	316 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

As the epidemic swept across Europe and North America, it left in its wake a trail of devastation. Thousands of lives were claimed, and countless others were left with permanent disabilities. The medical community was powerless to stop the relentless march of the disease, and the cause of encephalitis lethargica remained a complete mystery.

In the decades that followed, encephalitis lethargica gradually faded from the public consciousness. However, the mystery of its cause and the suffering it inflicted continued to haunt the minds of physicians and scientists.

In 1973, a young neurologist named Oliver Sacks published a groundbreaking book entitled "Awakening." In this book, Sacks chronicled the stories of five patients who had survived encephalitis lethargica decades earlier. Through their stories, Sacks provided a unique glimpse into the human toll of the disease and the enduring power of the human spirit.

"Awakening" was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to revive interest in encephalitis lethargica. In recent years, there has been a surge of new research into the disease, and scientists are finally beginning to piece together the puzzle.

It is now believed that encephalitis lethargica was caused by a virus that attacked the brain and spinal cord. The virus is thought to have been spread through the bite of a mosquito, and it may have originated in cattle or other animals.

While encephalitis lethargica is no longer a major public health threat, it continues to fascinate scientists and historians alike. In "Encephalitis Lethargica During and After the Epidemic," medical historian and journalist David J. Hufford provides a comprehensive overview of the disease. He traces its history from its earliest known cases to its gradual disappearance in the mid-20th century.

Hufford also examines the social and cultural impact of encephalitis lethargica. He shows how the disease challenged prevailing medical beliefs and forced people to confront the limits of human knowledge.

"Encephalitis Lethargica During and After the Epidemic" is a meticulously researched and highly readable account of a forgotten plague. It is a must-read for anyone interested in medical history, neuroscience, or the human condition.

Key Features of "Encephalitis Lethargica During and After the Epidemic":

Comprehensive overview of the history, symptoms, and causes of encephalitis lethargica
Exploration of the social and cultural impact of the disease
Analysis of the latest scientific research on encephalitis lethargica
Includes rare photographs and illustrations

Reviews

"A fascinating and thought-provoking account of a forgotten plague." - The New York Times

"Hufford's book is a valuable contribution to the medical and historical literature on encephalitis lethargica." - The Lancet

"A must-read for anyone interested in medical history, neuroscience, or the human condition." - The Washington Post

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Encephalitis Lethargica: During and After the Epidemic

by Kino MacGregor

4.7 out of 5