1793 Philadelphia yellow fever epidemic
1793 CE.
Shown on the map at 39.951°, -75.140°.
The Philadelphia 1793 yellow fever epidemic was an epidemic that took place in Philadelphia. During the epidemic, 5,000 or more people died between August 1 and November 9. The vast majority of them died of yellow fever, making the epidemic in the city of 50,000 people, one of the most severe in United States history. By the end of September, 20,000 people had fled the city, including congressional and executive officials of the federal government of the United States. Most did not return until after the epidemic had abated in late November. The mortality rate peaked in October before frost finally killed the mosquitoes and brought an end to the outbreak. Doctors tried a variety of treatments but knew neither the origin of the fever nor that the disease was transmitted by mosquitoes (this information was not verified until the late 19th century). Matthew Clarkson, the mayor of Philadelphia, and a committee of two dozen organized a fever hospital at Bush Hill and other crisis measures. The assistance of the Free African Society was requested by the city and readily agreed to by its members.
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