Ergotism is an illness caused by eating grains or seeds contaminated by the Claviceps purpurea fungus, commonly known as ergot When ingested, the fungus secretes toxic alkaloids that have a wide range of effects on the human body. These effects range from mild physical symptoms, such as abdominal cramps and vomiting, to severe mental and neurological symptoms, such as seizures, hallucinations, and even death. The illness is believed to have been around since ancient times and is still present today, although the prevalence has significantly declined due to increased understanding of the disease and improved sanitation.
The five best examples of ergotism are:
1. The 'Dancing Plague' of 1518: This mysterious illness affected people in the small town of Strasbourg in what is now Germany. It began with a single woman and spread to around 400 people over the course of a month, who all began to dance in the streets as if in a trance. It is believed that this strange behavior was a symptom of ergot-induced psychosis, although no definitive proof exists.
2. The Salem Witch Trials: This infamous episode in American history occurred in 1692, when a group of young girls in Salem Village, Massachusetts, began exhibiting strange behavior, including fits, vomiting, and uncontrollable outbursts. It is widely believed that ergot-contaminated rye bread was responsible for the girls’ symptoms, leading to the widespread panic and eventual execution of twenty people as witches.
3. The Eley Brothers’ Ergot Poisoning: In 1856, a London-based pharmaceutical company sold hundreds of bottles of ergot-contaminated medicinal syrup, which was used to treat malaria. Unfortunately, the syrup contained high levels of ergot alkaloids, leading to severe poisoning and the death of two brothers who took the medicine.
4. The Congolese Ergot Epidemic: In 1957, an ergot-related epidemic began in the Congo region of Africa, where a contaminated crop of millet was harvested and consumed. This caused many people to experience severe physical and mental symptoms, including gangrene and psychosis.
5. The French Ergot Crisis of 1951: In 1951, a crop of contaminated rye grains was harvested in the French region of Auvergne, leading to the poisoning of hundreds of people. Most of the affected people experienced mild symptoms, although there were a few cases of more severe neurological and psychological symptoms.
Ergotism is a rare but serious illness that can cause a wide range of symptoms, from mild physical discomfort to seizures, hallucinations, and death. By understanding the sources of ergot contamination and how to prevent it, people can help protect themselves from the dangers of this illness.