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Yellow fever epidemics and mortality in the United States, 1693-1905

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  • Patterson, K. David

Abstract

Yellow fever epidemics struck the United States repeatedly in the 18th and 19th centuries. The disease was not indogenous; epidemics were imported by ship from the Caribbean. Prior to 1822, yellow fever attacked cities as far north as Boston, but after 1822 it was restricted to the south. Port cities were the primary targets, but the disease occasionally spread up the Mississippi River system in the 1800s. New Orleans, Mobile, Savannah, and Charleston were major targets; Memphis suffered terribly in 1878. Yellow fever epidemics caused terror, economic disruption, and some 100,000-150,000 deaths. Recent white immigrants to southern port cities were the most vulnerable; local whites and blacks enjoyed considerable resistance.

Suggested Citation

  • Patterson, K. David, 1992. "Yellow fever epidemics and mortality in the United States, 1693-1905," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 34(8), pages 855-865, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:34:y:1992:i:8:p:855-865
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    Cited by:

    1. Jedwab, Remi & Khan, Amjad M. & Russ, Jason & Zaveri, Esha D., 2021. "Epidemics, pandemics, and social conflict: Lessons from the past and possible scenarios for COVID-19," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 147(C).
    2. Arthi, Vellore & Parman, John, 2021. "Disease, downturns, and wellbeing: Economic history and the long-run impacts of COVID-19," Explorations in Economic History, Elsevier, vol. 79(C).
    3. Saavedra, Martin, 2017. "Early-life disease exposure and occupational status: The impact of yellow fever during the 19th century," Explorations in Economic History, Elsevier, vol. 64(C), pages 62-81.
    4. Remi Jedwab & Amjad M. Khan & Richard Damania & Jason Russ & Esha D. Zaveri, 2020. "Pandemics, Poverty, and Social Cohesion: Lessons from the Past and Possible Solutions for COVID-19," Working Papers 2020-13, The George Washington University, Institute for International Economic Policy.

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