Scurvy, also known as scorbutus, has long afflicted explorers and sailors. This sneaky illness that results from a vitamin C shortage has made its mark on history, frequently serving as a sobering reminder of the dangers associated with extended maritime travel. Its symptoms progress cruelly. In the early stages, those..
Scurvy, also known as scorbutus, has long afflicted explorers and sailors. This sneaky illness that results from a vitamin C shortage has made its mark on history, frequently serving as a sobering reminder of the dangers associated with extended maritime travel. Its symptoms progress cruelly. In the early stages, those who are affected may experience generalized malaise and weariness. But soon, the body starts to cry out for vitamin C more desperately. The unpleasant precursor to teeth loosening and falling out is the enlargement and bleeding of the gums. Even with minimal pressure, bruises emerge, the body's fragile blood vessels unable to contain them. A shell of the person they were before, their muscles weaken and their joints hurt. The body's incapacity to produce vitamin C is the primary source of this destruction. This shortfall is easily made up for by individuals who live on land and have access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Unfortunately, the absence of this essential nutrient poses a grave risk at sea, since goods of this kind decay easily. Scurvy's historical effects on sailors were disastrous. Crews on lengthy ocean journeys would frequently start to exhibit symptoms a few weeks after leaving. They tried several failed treatments, not knowing the problem. A few captains gave their men daily doses of rum because they thought it had magical powers. Others resorted to praying for divine intervention or bloodletting. The connection between fresh fruits and scurvy was not well established until the 18th century. One of the first clinical experiments was carried out by British navy surgeon James Lind on board the HMS Salisbury. He divided the twelve scurvy-stricken seamen into pairs and gave each one a different remedy. Citrus fruits, such as oranges and lemons, helped those who received them heal quickly, whereas others did not. Equipped with this understanding, naval forces started to incorporate citrus fruits into the rations of their men, therefore completely eliminating scurvy from their vessels. Sea travel was transformed by this little improvement, which gave explorers more confidence and enabled them to go farther. However, even with this knowledge, scurvy still exists in some form. It still affects people with bad diets and underlying medical issues in the present era. It is a harsh reminder of the delicate balance that our bodies need—a reminder that the strongest sailors in history could not overlook.
Scorbutus (scurvy) and scrub typhus interlink, as both conditions involve weakened immunity—vitamin C deficiency in scorbutus compromises the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections like scrub typhus, which is caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi and transmitted through mite bites.
