Hydrophobia, more commonly known as rabies, was a very real and very serious problem in the early United States. While it was commonly spread from bats, raccoons, skunks, and other outdoor animals, during the 1800s and early 1900s, rabies was commonly gotten from dog bites. While the first rabies vaccine was used in 1885, it took time before the vaccine became widespread enough to start saving lives in rural America.
Children Bitten By Stray Dog
“A most melancholy death has recently taken place from this frightful disease. A month ago, several little children were playing in the street, when three of them were bitten by a dog. Immediate attention was given to the sufferers, and the most approved appliances of modern surgery were used. No serious results were anticipated, until one of the children manifested symptoms of hydrophobia a few days ago, and at last, death ended his sufferings. This must be a source of intense anxiety for the parents of the other children who were bitten.” [Source: The Carbon Advocate newspaper. May 16, 1874]
From Hydrophobia to Annual Werewolf
“Peculiar Case of a Man Who Was Bitten by a Dog Years Ago — One of the most remarkable cases on record of periodical attacks of hydrophobia was developed at Pittsburg recently. John Alles, while on his way home the other night with a party of friends, suddenly became frantic. He began to bark like a dog, frothed at the mouth and tried to batter out his brains on the curbstone.
“When 10 years old, Alles was bitten by a dog. The dog was shot, but the wound was not cauterized, being cured on a homemade plan. Ever since Alles has been subject to an annual attack of hydrophobia in the early days of July. Three friends were with Alles. They held him down for a moment, but he threw them off with ease. Passersby assisted, and Alles was finally overpowered through the united efforts of eight men. A patrol wagon removed him to the Mercy hospital.
“Doctors have applied all known remedies for hydrophobia, but the attacks have occurred every year, each time lasting four days. Mr. Alles is now 28 years old. The only explanation the doctors can offer is that the boy’s mind was so strongly impressed when we was bitten that the sight of a dog on that date throws him into spasms. Just before he has had the attacks Alles invariably has seen a dog. One crossed the street in front of him but five minutes before the attack.” [Source: White Oaks Eagle newspaper. October 03, 1895.]
An Agonizing Death in East Orange
“The death of a gentleman named Ames took place on Monday at his residence in East Orange, and is attributed to hydrophobia. The deceased first showed signs of the derangement on Sunday last. He was very petulant and morose during the forenoon of that day and complained of the oppressiveness of the heat. While in the act of putting a tumbler of water to his lips the glass dropped from his powerless hand and he was seized with a violent choking sensation, followed by a tremor, which shot through his frame with the rapidity of lightning, and the paroxysms which accompany the fearful malady of hydrophobia commenced. The sufferings of the victim showed all the too familiar signs of the madness. He foamed at the mouth and attempted violence. His heartrending groans could be heard a good distance from the house, and so fearful had his condition become that it was necessary to pinion the unfortunate gentleman, in order to prevent some greater calamity. Dr. Holmes was present and did everything in his power to assuage the raving man’s agony, but all in vain. Medical skill could do nothing for the doomed sufferer, and on Monday night death rescued him from his misery.” [Source: The New York Herald newspaper. July 02, 1874.]
