Monday 16 August 2021

Week 33: a plague on Paris

100 years ago this week: Week 33

The 1920s was an era of modernism and progress, but in certain respects, Paris was still a medieval city. The archaic nature of the sanitary conditions in some districts - overlooked most of the time - only became an issue when infectious diseases broke out. Was the plague about to make a comeback in 1921? 

Scratch your itch here.


The Plague in Paris
A few cases have been observed, but all the security measures seem to have been taken.

Sleeping sickness has gone idle; doctors have not 'revealed' any new diseases this season. Paris was getting bored. Suddenly, those old terrifying words have been thrown on the silent and almost deserted city; the plague, typhoid, cholera.


___________________________________________________

At the beginning of the 1920s, Europe was struck by the circulation - and return - of certain diseases that had not been seen since the middle ages. The first of these - mentioned in the text above - was Encephalitis lethargica, or sleeping sickness. This mysteriously appeared then just as mysteriously disappeared a decade or so later. Any return of the plague though was more worrying.

To avoid panic amongst the public, the plague was referred to only as 'disease n°9' in official documents, but disease n°9 did find several dozen victims in Paris and its surrounding towns at the beginning of the 1920s. Where had it come from? The article in L'Homme Libre suspects a link to Russia, but it seems that plague infected rats had actually hopped aboard coal-carrying barges coming from England.

What was clear is that all cases concerned people in impoverished parts of the city, notably amongst the chiffoniers (ragpickers) who lived in the soon to be demolished 'zone' surrounding Paris. In this particular outbreak, the worst was avoided thanks to the rapid response of health officials. Those affected were removed from their environments, with 'contact cases' isolated in military facilities. Any affected properties were cleaned thoroughly or destroyed if they were completely insalubrious.

As the new decade began it was an important reminder. Diseases can appear and spread if basic sanitary conditions are not assured for all members of society.

9 comments:

C-Marie said...

What a scary happening for the people then. Sanitation is always of the utmost importance. God bless, C-Marie

casinositewiki said...

Wow, awesome blog layout! This web site is so great, Cheers!
카지노사이트
온라인카지노
바카라사이트
카지노사이트킹

토토사이트 said...

Thank you for giving this insightful information.It's an interesting reading.

Barbara Nimmo said...

I was captivated by your insightful post about the challenges Paris faced during Week 33, aptly titled "Plague on Paris." Your description of the city's struggles and triumphs in the face of adversity was truly captivating.
https://www.promocodehq.com/blog/

Ashlee Rolfson said...

Moreover, your blog post underscores how challenges like those faced during Week 33 can be transformative. They prompt us to reevaluate our priorities and explore new ways of living that are both sustainable and fulfilling.
http://frugalishness.com/promotions/

Jacqueline Kent said...

the parking spot promo code are my golden ticket to stress-free travel. They transform the parking experience from a chore into a breeze, offering convenience and savings rolled into one

Maria Adam said...

I'm so glad I stumbled onto your blog. Your wise writing strikes a deep chord with us.
pestie 10 off

Unknown said...

Your blog sets a high standard for good content. You obviously put your heart and soul into every piece you write. the parking spot promo code

totosafedb.com said...

Great information.Thanks for sharing this type of great content, keep publishing.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...
Twitter Instagram Write Bookmark this page More

 
Design by Free WordPress Themes | Bloggerized by Lasantha - Premium Blogger Themes | Premium Wordpress Themes