The "sweat" refers to a disease known as sweating sickness.
Sweating sickness, also called English sweating sickness, English sweat, or sudor anglicus (Latin), was a mysterious and highly contagious disease that caused significant alarm during its outbreaks. It primarily affected England, with later appearances in continental Europe. Epidemics occurred intermittently, starting in 1485.
Here's a breakdown of what made this disease so notable:
- Key Symptoms: The most prominent symptom was, of course, profuse sweating. Other symptoms included fever, headache, chills, body aches, and rapid pulse. In many cases, the illness progressed quickly, leading to death within hours.
- Mysterious Origins: The exact cause of sweating sickness remains unknown. Various theories have been proposed, including viral infections, rodent-borne diseases, and even poisoning, but none have been definitively proven.
- Epidemic Nature: The disease appeared in waves, with outbreaks occurring at intervals. This pattern, combined with its high mortality rate, caused widespread panic and disruption.
- Geographic Distribution: While primarily associated with England, sweating sickness also spread to parts of continental Europe, adding to its mystique and historical significance.
- Lack of Cure: During the time of the outbreaks, there was no known cure or effective treatment for sweating sickness.
Sweating sickness abruptly disappeared after 1551, adding to its enigmatic nature. Its sudden emergence and disappearance have fascinated historians and medical professionals for centuries.
