Rabies Death in Stanford Rivers

Rabies (Also known as hydrophobia which refers to another symptom of rabies, fear of water), has been eradicated in this country, but in Victorian times some 675 cases were recorded in England. Until Louis Pasteur and Emile Roux developed a vaccine in the mid-1880s, bite marks from rabid or suspected rabid animals were often treated by cutting away the flesh in and around the infected area and then cauterizing the wound. For canine and human victims alike, the symptoms were dreadful and death was a certainty.

A woodcut from the Middle Ages showing a rabid dog. (Public Domain)

There was much debate in the papers as how the Government should be addressing the problem and making the owners of dogs responsible for their animals. In 1866 The Lancet had this to say:

From the Chelmsford Chronicle 29th June 1866

Hydrophobia. — People die of hydrophobia, and juries sit and make respectful representations of the Home Secretary of the increasing frequency of the disease. But nothing is done. There is a concurrence of opinion to what needs to be done, which makes this inaction of Government more culpable. The desirable thing is to have every dog associated with an owner, and to require a tax from every owner, which shall be proof of the owner's care for the animal. We earnestly urge upon Sir George Grey some legislation on the dog nuisance. It may seem too much to expect statesmen to come down from the great questions and anxieties of the day to legislate upon stray dogs; but the Home Office would really relieve the public mind by a good short Act upon this subject. One case of hydrophobia in a Member of Parliament would rouse the Home Office to the needed effort. We should be sorry to believe that the present wide-spread fear is not sufficient without this catastrophe. — Lancet.

Two incidents of rabies were reported to have happened in Stanford Rivers, leading to the deaths of both persons, who appear to have been bitten by the same dog, some three years before their eventual deaths.

Let the local papers take up the story.

From the Chelmsford Chronicle 24th August 1877

ONGAR. Sudden Death from Hydrophobia. Nearly three years since Mr. Alfred Brown, son Mr. Joseph Brown, of Lucks Farm, Stanford Rivers, was bitten in the hand by a mad dog. veterinary surgeon with Mr. Brook, of Chipping Ongar, he was daily seen, apparently in good health, until Friday last, when he complained of a twinging pain in the arm. He had lately been re-vaccinated. On Saturday he was removed to his father's house and attended by Dr. Grattan, but soon after ten at night on Sunday died in convulsions. Those of his friends whom he intimately knew he would allow to speak to him, but not to see his face, as he walked up and down the room, occasionally beating his forehead against the wall. He was sensible, and able to tell them of his approaching end, as ever since he was bitten he had made hydrophobia his principal study, and therefore was perfectly aware of the danger even after so long a period of three years. So sudden a removal of a young man at 22 has caused a universal expression of sorrow from his friends and neighbours. More than one animal was bitten at that time, and it is hoped that more than usual care will be taken by those who have dogs in this neighbourhood.

From the Chelmsford Chronicle 7th September 1877

The Recent Case of Hydrophobia. — A correspondent writes giving a few further particulars concerning the sad case of hydrophobia at Ongar. It appears that rather more than three years ago a rabid dog broke loose from somewhere in the neighbourhood, at present unknown, and proceeding through Stanford Rivers and Ongar, passed by the deceased's (Mr. Alfred Brown) house, and he being outside at the time, it attacked him, biting him in the hand. He does not seem to have done anything to the wound that night, but the next had it cauterised by a doctor in Ongar, and the wound healed, to appearances satisfactorily - A few months afterwards he was articled to Mr. Brook, veterinary surgeon, of Ongar, with whom he was still studying at the time of the symptoms of hydrophobia showing themselves, which they did on the evening of Friday, the 17th ult., by great pain in the hand that was bitten, continuing np the arm. Feeling worse on the Saturday, he was by his own wish, removed to his home, and attended by a doctor, a second being called in on Sunday.

But their efforts to battle with the terrible disease were unsuccessful; it gradually developed itself, and he died 10.30 p.m., after great suffering. I may mention that among his studies for the profession of veterinary surgeon he paid special attention to hydrophobia and seemed to know exactly what was the matter as soon as the symptoms began to show themselves. Excepting the time he was in convulsions he was perfectly sensible, and able to talk to his friends, but could not bear them to look at him; neither could he be induced to wash himself, or in way touch liquid. I would also mention that he was re-vaccinated a fortnight before his death. Some are of opinion that this may have brought put the disease, but that must be a matter for the study of doctors.

From the Essex Standard 10th August 1878

Hydrophobia. — On Monday, July 29, a hay carter, named John Nunn, who was better known in the district by the name of Blondin, was taken ill while at a beer- house at Stanford Rivers, and was removed to the Ongar Union-house, where he was attended by Dr. Grattan, who found him to be in a delirious state. He gradually became worse, and manifested symptoms of hydrophobia, and he died on Thursday, August 1, Dr. Grattan being of the opinion from the symptoms that death was due to hydrophobia. The deceased was bitten on the 21st of May, 1874, by the same dog which attacked Mr. Brown, son of Mr. Brown, farmer and dealer, of Stanford Rivers, who, it will be remembered, died about 12 months since from hydrophobia, after suffering intensely from this terrible visitation.