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

¹Department of Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115.

Clinical Infectious Diseases : an Official Publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America

|August 1, 1993

Summary

Boston City Hospital

Area of Science:

Public Health History
Epidemiology
Medical History

Background:

Established in 1864, Boston City Hospital faced significant public health challenges.
The hospital served a growing urban population in Boston.
The early 20th century saw major advancements in medical science.

Observation:

Severe epidemics of diphtheria, scarlatina, and measles impacted Boston.
The South Department was established for patient isolation.
High mortality rates persisted for diseases like smallpox, typhoid, pneumonia, and tuberculosis.

Findings:

Despite improved diagnostics and nursing, treatments for many diseases remained limited.
The 1918 influenza pandemic highlighted the limitations of medical interventions.

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The hospital's reputation and community acceptance grew as medicine became more scientific.

Implications:

The historical context reveals the evolution of infectious disease management.
Understanding past epidemics informs current public health strategies.
The increasing scientific basis of medicine transformed hospital roles and public trust.