Sweating fever, also known as sudor anglicus or pure sweating sickness, is a historical term used to describe a highly contagious disease that manifested as a sudden and severe fever, accompanied by profuse sweating. The condition primarily affected individuals living in England and continental Europe during the 15th and 16th centuries.
The symptoms of sweating fever usually appeared with little warning and progressed rapidly. Patients experienced intense fevers, severe headaches, muscle aches, and fatigue. Sweating was a hallmark of the illness, often described as "sweating buckets," leading to the name sweating fever. The excessive sweating could last for several hours or days, followed by relief with the disappearance of symptoms. However, in severe cases, death could occur within hours.
Despite its short duration, the sweating fever was highly contagious and had a significant mortality rate, especially among the younger population. The disease was known for its sudden onset and rapid spread, affecting individuals regardless of their age, sex, or social status. It followed a cyclical pattern, often re-emerging in various waves with varying degrees of severity.
The exact cause of sweating fever remains unknown, as the disease has disappeared from modern medical records. Various theories have suggested viral, bacterial, or protozoan origins, but without concrete evidence. Sweating fever is of great historical interest due to the impact it had on society and the fear it instilled during its outbreaks, which led to widespread panic and disruption.
