June 1793 – November 1805

Yellow Fever

Between the years of 1793 and 1805, there were six outbreaks of yellow fever, the worst of which was in 1793. In 1793, those who were wealthy enough to leave the city did (about 40%). It was thought at the time that all Black people were immune to the disease, so much of the work of caring for the sick fell on African Americans. Interestingly, the virus was spread to Philadelphia through European soldiers who were being sent to Haiti to attempt to repress the revolution which took place between 1791 and 1804.

Philadelphia, PA

https://www.workingnurse.com/articles/Black-Nurses-and-the-1793-Philadelphia-Yellow-Fever-Epidemic

Clara Iodice