| The
cholera was present in two forms in the town. firstly it came as an
epidemic disease striking the town in 1832, 1849, 1854 and 1866. It also
existed as an endemic disease such as diarrhea and dysentery which existed
all year round and often killed the very young or very old.
Although records are unclear it has been estimated
that perhaps 160 people died in the cholera epidemic of 1832. There were
basic precautions taken by the Local Board of Health (which had been set
up in November 1831) . The role of the Board was to advise on the
treatment and containment of the disease. They were largely responsible
for encouraging houses to be limewashed, and clothing of infected people
to be burnt.
The epidemic of 1849 has been described as
'murderous'. It fell on a largely impoverished population struggling to live
in the poorest parts of the town such as Pont y Storehouse. |
| This
epidemic was very strong and wrought havoc on the population. The
unsanitary conditions ensured a long spell of the disease, but it is
likely that the death toll would have been worse were it not for the fact
that the population of the town was predominantly younger people who coped
with the disease better than children or the elderly. The Poor
Law Board of Guardians assumed the responsibility of taking preventive
measures. Nine extra medical officers were appointed to help the affected
population and they were supported by a series of lay workers who helped
remove victims from their houses and thus reduce the chances of the
disease spreading. A House of Refuge was created to house healthy
people removed from houses where the disease had struck, thus reducing the
chances of the disease being transmitted further. An overflow burial
ground was opened at Pant to accommodate the 500 victims for this
epidemic.
Although the disease was present in the background
for the following years it did not erupt into epidemic again until 1854
when 524 people died. A large House of Refuge was built off the Brecon
Road and more care taken to isolate affected cases. The lower casualty
rate indicates the slightly improving diet and health of the townspeople
and the success of these techniques, as many people would have
caught the disease but made a recovery after a bout of severe illness.
Also by this time the Local Board of Health were much more thorough in
ensuring cholera victims were removed from their houses and cesspits and
privies were sealed up or cleaned out on a more regular basis. The House
of Refuge was later enlarged as the Fever Hospital of the Board of
Health.
The final epidemic in 1866 claimed 116 victims,
the lower number testament to the improved treatment and isolation of
infected people. By this time the House of Refuge was seen as a fully
fledged cholera hospital. |