Pneumonia Info
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs which is a result of the air sacs being filled with pus or fluid. Pneumonia can be viral, bacterial, or fungal and is spread through droplets from coughs and sneezes.
Symptoms:
- cough with phlegm
- chest pain
- fever
- chills
- nausea/vomiting
- difficulty breathing
Good many sick with pneumonia - February 25, 1862
Knight reports that there are at least 19 people sick with pneumonia. He mentions that he doesn't believe that old man Mack Luke was robbed and beaten, rather that he was probably drinking and suggests that country people stay sober and not go anywhere after dark. This seems to indicate that the soldiers were not confined to the camp and that they were able to go into towns and purchase supplies and engage with the local community. Camps were often placed near major transportation hubs to defend against those using the routes. The mingling with towns and communities could certainly contribute to the spread of diseases.
We have more sick now than we ought to have - October 25, 1862
Knight reports that there are still large numbers of sick individuals in the camp, but that it has been worse in the past. One individual was hospitalized for pneumonia and there are several high-ranking individuals that are sick in the company.
