The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1877-05-24
A Ho. riblc Death from Hydrophobia.

~
Michael Donahue, who was taken to
Mercy Hospital on Tuesday morning OF thls
week, having exhibited signs OF hydropho-
bia, died during the night in great agony.
The circumstances leading to his death are
unusual, and seem to show how slight
wound will nourish this most dread disease.
Fully six weeks ago Mr.. Donahue, whlie
playing with a dog in front OF his home,
No. 2a0 Brown street, aggravated the ami
NAL in some manner, and was bitten on the
third finger OF the left hand. No attention
was paid to the wound at the time, as
slight abrasion of the skin was all that
wGs visible to the eye. 1t was remarked
at the time that the. dog appeared to be
suffering from mild form OF hydrophobia,
and he was killed. Mr.. Donahue received
no medical attention until Monday afternoon
last, when he exhibited alarming symptoms,
anu DR.. J. L. Lilly was called to attend him.
On the day previous he had felt unwell, but
it was thought to be nothing more than a
slight fever, and but little attention was
paid to it. He stated that he was very hun
cry, but the thought Of food and water was
abhorrent to him and he ate but little, so
that by Monday evening, when he eXpe-
rienced his first serious attack, the system
had become very much weakened. After
cursory examination DR.. Lilly stated that
the man was evidently suffering from dro-
phobia, and when the circumstances were
related to him of the biting he was con-
flrmed in his belief, and issued certificate
to that effect.
The patient was removed to Mercy Hos
pital early on Tuesday morning.. During
the night previous lie had experienced seye-
raj attacks, which appeared to increase IN
intensity, leaving him after each experience
greatly weakened. His desire for food and
water appeared to increase, but any attempt
to do anything for him in this regard only
Increased his suffering, until finally the
mention OF water sent him into paroXysms.
On reaching the hospital he was taken into
one OF the ordinary wards, but upon his
condition being ascertained he was assigned
to quieter quarters, and everything possible
done to alleviate his sufferings. He was
rational at times, and spoke freely OF his
condition during these periods. He had been
informed of the fears OF his friends, but
stoutly protested to the last that it was not
hydrophobia from which lie was suffering.
He stated that be had been out Of work for
some time, which had caused a mental de-
preston and natural bodily weakness,
which would fit his system for any disease.
From continued loss OF nourishment the
system had become very much weakened,
and the paroxysms, though dreadful to wit
ness, causing the .::.ian's body to rise and
heayc as the dreadful feeling rushed over
him, were not nearly 80 violent as is usually
supposed to be the case with people afflicted
with the disease. At no time was it found
necessary to place him under any subIec-
ton, and he showed no signs OF violence to
the last \ number Of efforts were made
to alleviate his dreadful thirst. His throat
was swollen and his mouth was dry
and parched, but nothing could be done
for the suffering man. 4 quarter OF
an orange was taken to him. but the
sight caused paroXysm, and when
water in tin cup was brought 10
him, his arms were lifted high above his
head, his eyes started out OF their sockets,
his body heaved and throbbed, and he cried
out in his great agony that some one would
do Gods service by killing him. Finally
be became conscious that he could not live,
and he babe goodbye to those OF his friends
present, and gave some instructions con-
cerning the disposal OF some property IN
the interest of his children. Within two
minutes after making this statement he was
seized with paroXysm apparently more
forcible than any which had swept over his
frame before, and about o'clock he eX-
pired.
1t was remarked that during the sickness
he did not initiate the barking OF dog, OF
show any OF the symptoms which usually
mark case Of this character. The face,
after death, had resumed partially its won't
ed repose, and there was little to indicate
the agony experienced during the last few
hours of Chicago Times, 17th.