Zhonghua Yi Shi Za Zhi. 1999 Oct; 29(4): 207-10.

[Research on the plague epidemic in Guangzhou (Canton) in 1894]

Lai W, Li Y.

Department of Ancient Medical Literature Guangzhou University of TCM, Guangzhu 510405.

Early in the end of the 1870s, there were signs of local epidemic that occurred in the region of the end of Pearl River valley, most probably spread from the Beihai epidemic region through sea route. A severe epidemic of plague occurred in 1894 under the unusal dry and warm weather. However, the weather had nothing to do with the epidemic after the outbreak of the epidemic. Reports on the victims inside the city were focused in April to July, especially in May, first appeared in the regions inhabited by Muslin and Manchu centered in the whole area of western city and southern old city, where cases showed a tendency to distribute along the circular river around the city. The manifestations included swollen nodules, fever, chilliness, and coma. The death toll numbered to 0.1 million. TCM treatment includes cooling, dispersing, detoxification and blood activation, as well as acupuncture and rubbing with cold water, etc.