In the early 20th century, a puzzling illness swept across the globe, leaving individuals unable to control their bouts of deep and prolonged sleep. Known as “sleepy sickness,” the disease first appeared in northern France in 1916 and rapidly infected people in India, Central America, North America, and Europe. Victims would fall asleep for weeks or even months at a time, with no cure or treatment available to them.
Despite efforts to understand the cause of the illness and its spread, little was known about encephalitis lethargica until 1930 when the epidemic began to subside. Although researchers suspect that the disease may be linked to a virus, there is still much uncertainty surrounding its cause and how it spreads.
While no further outbreaks have been reported since 1930, some individuals who recovered from encephalitis lethargica later developed Parkinson’s disease. Treatment for the illness varies based on individual complications and underlying conditions and may involve the use of drugs commonly used to manage Parkinson’s symptoms.
Eleanore Carey’s first-hand account of her experience with encephalitis lethargica provides insight into the severity and challenges posed by this mysterious disease. She described her time spent in deep sleep as being like “being buried in a pit as deep as the center of the Earth.” Despite her loved ones’ efforts to wake her up, Eleanore struggled to break free from her prolonged slumber. Her experience highlights just how debilitating this rare disease can be for those who are affected by it.
In conclusion, while encephalitis lethargica has largely subsided since 1930, there is still much uncertainty surrounding its cause and how it spreads. While some individuals who recover from the illness develop Parkinson’s disease later on in life, treatment options vary widely depending on individual complications and underlying conditions. The story of Eleanore Carey serves as a stark reminder of just how debilitating this mysterious disease can be for those who are affected by it.
