Disease

Deaths and Staff in Kilrush and Ennistymon Workhouses 1850-51

Much the same as today in Third World countries, famine is always accompanied by disease. Ireland was no stranger to famine diseases. But in the 1845-50 period the whole country was ravaged. Those parts of Ireland that experienced the worst of the Great Famine suffered most from disease. It must be pointed out in relation to the chart Ennistymon Union, Summary of Diseases that the deaths referred to are those which took place within the workhouse and its auxiliaries. These were only a part of the total, as many died in their cabins or by the roadside. The total of those who died of famine disease will never be known but it is estimated that about ten times more died of disease than starvation. Historians generally maintain that between 1846-50, one million died either of disease or starvation.

The most widespread and deadly of diseases was that which became known as "Famine Fever". It consisted of two separate diseases, Typhus and Relapsing Fever. Both were conveyed by the common louse and in the crowded and filthy conditions prevailing in homes, workhouses and hospitals, spread like wildfire among a people whose resistance was greatly undermined by famine.

Typhus is caused by microscopic organisms, now known as Rickettsia. Rickettsia attack the small blood vessels especially those of the brain and skin. The circulation of the blood is impeded, the face swells and the skin turns a dark congested hue, which has given it its Irish name "Flabhras Dubh" (Black Fever).

Here are some of the curses.

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