In December 1892, a heartbreaking event rocked High Blantyre when a young boy, just four years old, sadly died from rabies—then known as hydrophobia.
Around six weeks earlier, the child, son of Mr James Mann, a local miner, had been bitten on the nose by a dog in the village, Blantyre. At first, the wounds appeared to heal, and life seemed to return to normal.
But during the last Sunday in December 1892, the boy suddenly displayed terrifying symptoms of rabies. Within hours, his condition worsened into one of the most agonising and distressing stages imaginable. Despite medical efforts, nothing could be done to save him. All that remained was to ease his pain as best they could.
The little boy lingered until he passed away around 1am on the Tuesday morning.
💬 A truly tragic glimpse into the dangers of rabies before modern vaccines. Can you imagine the fear in the community at the time?
#BlantyreHistory #VictorianScotland #Rabies #ScottishHistory #HistoricalTragedy #HighBlantyre
