Ship Fever

In the 18th century many viruses did not have the same names as they do today. Many of them were named after the symptoms or where one might get it.

Ship Fever or better known typhus today, was one that sailors feared to get when out to sea as it could mean doom for the entire crew.

An infectious disease caused by rickettsiae, characterized by a purple rash, headaches, fever, and usually delirium, and historically a cause of high mortality during wars and famines. There are several forms, transmitted by vectors such as lice, ticks, mites, and rat fleas.