Typhus Outbreak in Connemara

Galway, 16 May 1913 - Reports are emerging of a deadly outbreak of typhus in Connemara.

The areas around of Carraroe, Gorumna and Lettermullen have, once again, been hit by the disease, which is often spread by lice, fleas and rats. The scale of poverty and misery in this Irish-speaking area has long led to claims that it is suffering from immense official neglect. Over the last twenty years, six young doctors, who dedicated their lives to working to alleviate suffering in the area, died from illnesses contracted in the course of their duties.

A relief fund - led by the Catholic church - is being raised.

[Editor's note: This is an article from Century Ireland, a fortnightly online newspaper, written from the perspective of a journalist 100 years ago, based on news reports of the time.]