Syphilis: A History
The history of Syphilis is a long and often confusing one. Even to this day, scientists debate about where Syphilis may have originated from. There are several theories as to the origins of Syphilis, and perhaps the most common one can is that it originated in Europe, and was a ever present infectious disease by the time of the Roman Empire. Indeed, remains of people found in the city of Pompeii, which was destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 79 C.E., are shown to have been infected by Syphilis.
The first detailed account of an outbreak of Syphilis occurred in Europe in the year 1494 C.E. The outbreak first started among French soldiers, who were at the time besieging the city of Naples. From there, it went on to spread throughout Europe, and, due to the disease being able to kill in a few months, was much more severe than it is today. This mutated strain of syphilis is thought to have been carried to Europe by Christopher Columbus' crew during his various journeys to the New World. This outbreak took 5 million lives.
Originally, there were no treatments to combat Syphilis. Soon, however, mercury became something of a household remedy. There were multiple ways to apply mercury, whether it be orally, through injection, and by rubbing it on one's skin. Thus, mercury is the earliest known treatment for what we know today as Syphilis.
The first detailed account of an outbreak of Syphilis occurred in Europe in the year 1494 C.E. The outbreak first started among French soldiers, who were at the time besieging the city of Naples. From there, it went on to spread throughout Europe, and, due to the disease being able to kill in a few months, was much more severe than it is today. This mutated strain of syphilis is thought to have been carried to Europe by Christopher Columbus' crew during his various journeys to the New World. This outbreak took 5 million lives.
Originally, there were no treatments to combat Syphilis. Soon, however, mercury became something of a household remedy. There were multiple ways to apply mercury, whether it be orally, through injection, and by rubbing it on one's skin. Thus, mercury is the earliest known treatment for what we know today as Syphilis.
