213— Deadly Summers: Infant and Child Deaths in 19th Century Rochester, New York

During the 19th century, Rochester, NY, became a bustling city full of potential. Although there were many benefits to living in Rochester, the prevalence of infectious disease was not one of them. At this point in history, short lives were very common, and many people did not live past childhood. Therefore, children and infants were the most affected by these diseases. During the summer months, fever and diarrhea, likely due to contaminated food or water, took the lives of many infants and children. This study will explore these diseases, which were commonly referred to as cholera infantum and summer complaint, which were made worse by other conditions like general malnutrition and marasmus. A spatial analysis of disease occurrence will be completed using internment records from Mt Hope Cemetery in Rochester. Additionally, an analysis of dairy and milk production, as well as water quality, in Rochester, will also be analyzed due to the likely correlation between the prevalence of these diseases and the sanitation of milk and water. Childhood deaths due to cholera infantum and summer complaint were, sadly, preventable, but the general public was unaware of the impact that sanitation of milk and public water would have on their children.