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Is Scurvy Contagious?

Introduction A. Brief Overview of Scurvy as a Historical Disease Scurvy is a disease caused by a lack of vitamin C, essential for maintaining healthy tissues and blood vessels. Historically, it was common among sailors and explorers who spent months at sea without fresh fruits or vegetables. Symptoms included fatigue, swollen gums, and joint pain. Scurvy's prevalence declined with better nutrition and the introduction of citrus fruits on ships, earning them the nickname "sailors' cure." B. Misconceptions About Its Contagiousness Many people believe scurvy is contagious because it often occurred in groups, like sailors or soldiers, who lived in close quarters. Seeing multiple people with similar symptoms led to the false assumption that it could spread from one person to another. However, scurvy is caused solely by a lack of vitamin C in the diet, not by bacteria Understanding Scurvy 1. Definition and Causes of Scurvy Scurvy is a condition caused b...