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Victorian Diseases on the Rise
Victorian Diseases on the Rise : A concerning health trend is unfolding in England as cases of two once largely eradicated “Victorian diseases,” rickets and scurvy, are resurfacing, impacting a growing number of individuals. The period from 2019 to 2023 witnessed a diagnosis of rickets in approximately 28,379 Britons, alongside 269 cases of scurvy. Hospitals in various regions, including The Royal Surrey, University Hospital Southampton, and the Royal Free London, reported substantial numbers of rickets cases.
Surge in Victorian-Era Ailments: Rickets and Scurvy Reemerge Amidst Health Crisis
For scurvy, the highest occurrences were documented in Kettering with 34 cases, 23 of which were reported in the past year. Manchester University and Wye Valley each reported 14 cases. Disturbingly, this data, acquired through Freedom of Information requests by the Liberal Democrats, indicates a worrisome upward trajectory.
Daisy Cooper, spokesperson for health and social care in the Liberal Democrats, expressed deep concern, emphasizing that in the 21st century, no one should be facing the resurgence of Victorian-era diseases. She urged the government to take immediate and comprehensive action to address this public health issue.
What are Rickets and Scurvy?
Rickets and scurvy are both nutritional deficiencies that can lead to various health problems, especially when the body lacks essential vitamins and minerals.
- Rickets:
- Cause: Rickets is primarily caused by a deficiency of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate. These nutrients are crucial for the development and maintenance of strong and healthy bones.
- Symptoms: Common symptoms of rickets include bowed legs, delayed growth, pain in the spine, pelvis, and legs, muscle weakness, and deformities in the bones, such as an increased likelihood of fractures.
- Causes of Deficiency: Insufficient exposure to sunlight, which helps the body produce vitamin D, is a common cause. Additionally, a diet lacking in vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate can contribute to the development of rickets.
- Treatment: Treatment often involves addressing the nutritional deficiencies by increasing vitamin D, calcium, and phosphate intake. In some cases, supplements may be prescribed.
- Scurvy:
- Cause: Scurvy is caused by a severe deficiency of vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Vitamin C is essential for the synthesis of collagen, a protein that helps maintain the health of connective tissues, skin, blood vessels, and bones.
- Symptoms: Symptoms of scurvy include fatigue, weakness, muscle pain, swollen and bleeding gums, joint pain, anemia, and skin problems. If left untreated, scurvy can become a serious condition and, in extreme cases, lead to death.
- Causes of Deficiency: The main cause of scurvy is a lack of foods rich in vitamin C, such as fruits and vegetables. Prolonged periods without access to fresh produce can result in vitamin C deficiency.
- Treatment: Treatment involves increasing vitamin C intake through diet or supplements. Consuming fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, strawberries, and bell peppers, is essential for recovery.
Both rickets and scurvy were more prevalent in historical times when access to a balanced and varied diet was limited. However, with advancements in nutrition and awareness, these conditions became rare. The resurgence of these diseases in modern times, as discussed in the articles, is a cause for concern and may be linked to factors such as dietary choices and economic challenges.
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What Experts Says?
Experts are pointing to the rising cost of living as a significant factor contributing to the reemergence of rickets and scurvy. Financially strained parents are finding it challenging to afford nutritious food, often resorting to more affordable yet less healthy alternatives. This shift in dietary patterns, lacking essential vitamins and minerals, is identified as a key driver behind the resurgence of these diseases.
Additional data from the Times Health Commission reveals a doubling of malnutrition cases over the last decade and a quadrupling since 2007/8. Malnutrition, stemming from inadequate dietary habits, has resulted in almost 11,000 hospitalizations in the UK from 2022 to April 2023, including 312 cases involving children.
Dr. Clare Gerada, president of the Royal College of GPs, emphasized the impact of limited diets on health, describing it as the “tea and toast” diet. She stressed the need to address issues of poverty and malnutrition through initiatives such as providing vitamin supplements.
Government spokesperson Response
In response to these concerns, a government spokesperson contested the Liberal Democrats’ interpretation of the data, asserting that malnutrition in the UK is not solely attributable to poor eating habits. The spokesperson highlighted various government schemes, including Healthy Start, Nursery Milk, and the School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme, aimed at supporting a healthy and balanced diet.
It is noteworthy that, alongside rickets and scurvy, other diseases from the Victorian era, including scabies, diphtheria, measles, tuberculosis, and syphilis, have also made a resurgence in the UK. Experts speculate that a decline in vaccine uptake post-COVID may be contributing to this concerning trend.
In summary, the resurgence of Victorian diseases in the 21st century is sounding alarm bells, with rickets and scurvy cases on the rise. The correlation to the rising cost of living and challenges in accessing nutritious food emphasizes the urgent need for comprehensive public health measures to address this emerging health crisis.
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