JEANERETTE, La. – The Jeanerette Museum Board announces the history talk, "Yellow Fever," set for 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2018 at the Jeanerette Museum.
Learn how the yellow fever epidemic from 1796 to 1905 affected Iberia Parish, Louisiana and its industry and people. Yellow fever continuously devastated and threatened the population of Louisiana for over a century. Sometimes termed “Yellow Jack,” the infection got its name from the usual yellowing of the skin, or jaundice, from the virus attacking the liver. Steps towards eradication of the disease came from the 1900 commission of United States Army surgeons where they proved the mosquito’s role in the transmission of yellow fever.
Although most of Louisiana’s history on yellow fever focuses on New Orleans, cities and towns between New Orleans and Houston felt the effects from the yellow fever epidemics throughout this period. Yellow Jack’s cause for drama, death, and quarantine did not escape the small towns of southern Louisiana, especially those dependent on the railroads. Jeanerette was one of those cities that were quarantined during the epidemic.
This history talk is being held free of charge and is suitable for an adult audience. Seating may be limited and taken on a first come, first serve basis. This program is sponsored by the Friends of Jeanerette Museum.
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