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The New Hampshire Gazette And Historical Chronicle
Portsmouth, Greenland, Rockingham County, New Hampshire
What is this article about?
A malignant putrid fever, similar to scarlet fever but more virulent, has prevailed in Duxbury for months, affecting about 150 people, mostly children, with many deaths. In Mr. Benjamin Wadsworth's family, five of six children died in one week, with the survivor critically ill, as reported on July 5, 1771.
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A very malignant putrid Fever has, for some Time past, much prevailed in this Town; about 150 Persons, chiefly Children, having had it in the Course of a few Months: to a considerable Proportion of whom it has proved fatal. More especially of late its Malignity has very much increased. And in one Family in particular, (Mr. Benjamin Wadsworth's) five Children out of Six have died of it in the short Space of a Week; the only one surviving being now dangerously sick. This Fever seems to differ from what has been usually called the Scarlet Fever only in Point of Malignity; the Appearances in those who have it favourably being in all Respects the same. It is remarkable that though it has made its Appearance in every Part of this Town, scarce a Family or Person in any of the neighbouring Towns have as yet been visited with it.
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Domestic News Details
Primary Location
Duxbury
Event Date
For Some Time Past As Of July 5, 1771
Key Persons
Outcome
about 150 persons, chiefly children, affected; considerable proportion fatal; in wadsworth family, five of six children died in one week, one surviving dangerously sick
Event Details
A very malignant putrid fever has prevailed in Duxbury for months, increasing in malignancy lately; resembles scarlet fever but more virulent; appeared in every part of town but not neighboring towns