Infectious diseases at the Boston City Hospital: the first 60 years

During the 60 years that followed the opening of the Boston City Hospital in 1864, Boston experienced severe epidemics of diphtheria, scarlatina, and measles. The South Department was created to isolate patients, primarily children, who suffered from those diseases. Smallpox was a serious public health problem, and typhoid fever, pneumonia, and tuberculosis continued to cause high mortality. Diagnoses became more accurate and nursing care improved, although for most diseases treatment was not markedly better. The influenza epidemic in 1918 demonstrated how little could be done for patients. Nonetheless, the reputation of the hospital grew, and it gained increased acceptance in the community as medicine became more scientific.