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Story
August 4, 1851
Worcester Daily Spy
Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts
What is this article about?
In Athens, Illinois, a strange unknown disease kills several citizens after a merchant opens a box of goods from Europe in the presence of five people, who all die. The illness spreads to attendants and others, killing six in one family and causing a panic that empties half the town.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
A Strange Disease.—The town of Athens, in Illinois, has been deprived of several of its most valuable citizens, by a strange disease, unknown to the physicians. A merchant had received a box of goods from Europe, which he opened in the presence of five persons. Every one of these persons took sick and died. The disease soon spread among those who attended upon them, and among others. In one family, six persons died. A complete panic ensued, and we are told that more than half the people are absent from the town.
What sub-type of article is it?
Medical Curiosity
Curiosity
Extraordinary Event
What themes does it cover?
Catastrophe
Misfortune
Tragedy
What keywords are associated?
Strange Disease
Athens Illinois
Outbreak
Panic
Deaths
Europe Goods
Where did it happen?
Athens, In Illinois
Story Details
Location
Athens, In Illinois
Story Details
A merchant opens a box of goods from Europe with five others present; all five sicken and die from an unknown disease. It spreads to attendants and others, killing six in one family, causing panic and half the town to flee.