trying to find any info on colonial fever in Victoria 1850's

[troods]

Hi everyone

I have recently purchased a death cert for my little Mary Hall who died in 1853 at Victoria St Prahan from colonial fever, pneumonia and teething. Aged 11 months.
I have not heard of colonial fever before and am just looking for some info on it.

I also have come across 4 little girls from a another family of mine who died in 1861, all deaths occurring in the same year. My Nan recalls a story told to her from her Mum that that particular family lived in tents in Melbourne somewhere.

This mysteries just keep coming with this line of my family.

Many thanks Troods

[cando]

Hi

Found on

http://www.ballaratheritage.com.au/articles/creswick.html


Colonial fever was not some new form of influenza but typhus, spread by head lice and was a putrid foul-smelling disease prevalent on many of the immigrant vessels and occuring in epidemics.

Cheers
Cando

[troods]

Thanks Cando

That sounds terrible

[Bellejazz]

*shudder*

How fortunate we are these days.

- Belinda.