A Plague On All Your Houses
The bubonic plague reminds us of the deadly pandemic that swept through Asia and Europe killing tens of millions of people during the Middle Ages. However, in the early 20th century the infectious disease came closer to home with multiple epidemics occurring in Queensland.
Report about the bubonic plague in Queensland and the ways in which it could spread (1900-01-05/1910-01-04) by Home Secretary's OfficeQueensland State Archives
Queensland went on high alert after the discovery of plague-infected rats at a Sydney wharf in January 1900. Trade vessels constantly travelled between Sydney and Brisbane and there were concerns the disease would quickly spread throughout Queensland.
Local health and medical authorities worked together to exterminate rats around Brisbane and any rodents found sick or already dead were tested for infection.
On 5 March, Queensland’s worst fears were realised. A rat carrying the disease was found dead in a shop close to the wharf. However, the first cases of plague in humans did not occur until mid-April, firstly in Rockhampton, then in Brisbane.
Specially devised overalls and respirators worn by Dr Burnett Ham and his Medical and Nursing staff (1900-01-06/1910-01-05) by Home Secretary's OfficeQueensland State Archives
The government response to the outbreak was immediate. Special plague hospitals were established, and the Health Act 1900 was passed to introduce sanitary reforms.
Regulations outlining the requirements for the notification of cases, isolation, inoculation, treatments, destruction of infected areas and the extermination and destruction of rats were issued and enforced throughout the state.
Report of the number of cases of the bubonic plague in Queensland (1900-01-04/1910-01-03) by Home Secretary's OfficeQueensland State Archives
Medical and health practitioners were given details of symptoms, how to diagnose the disease and how to obtain and forward samples for testing. The public received advice on how the infection was spread and the dangers regarding rats.
Three times as many men than women became infected and this was largely attributed to their occupations.
Plague Map of Brisbane City, Queensland (1900-01-01/1909-12-31) by Home Secretary's OfficeQueensland State Archives
Carters, wharf workers, grocers and others who worked in or around produce or foodstuffs – where rat infestation was rife – had an increased chance of becoming ill, as were people who had poor living conditions.
The age group most likely to be infected were between 20 and 35 years old. Children up to 15 years were the next highest category. There were very few cases among infants or the elderly.
Plague Map of Brisbane City, Queensland (1900-01-02/1910-01-01) by Home Secretary's OfficeQueensland State Archives
After its emergence in 1900, there were plague epidemics each year through to 1909, with major outbreaks occurring in port towns along the coast from Brisbane to Cairns and isolated instances reported in country areas.
The disease lay dormant for 12 years until another outbreak in 1921. The last Queensland case of the bubonic plague was reported in 1922.
