Outbreak of Ergotism (857 A.D.) and Holy Fire Epidemic (1039)



In 857 A. D. the first serious outbreak of ergotism was recorded in the Rhine Valley. It struck the peasants and killed thousands of people. It was during this time it was called Holy Fire because of the buring sensations at the extremities from gangrenous ergotism. The cause of Holy Fire was unknown but the symptoms experienced by the people was documented. The people suffered from swollen blisters, rotting flesh, and loss of limbs.


While ergotism still occured over the following years it did bring some good with it. In 1039 during another epidemic of Holy Fire, a man named Gaston de la Valloire who was wealthy and felt pity for the victims built a hospital near Vienne. It was dedicated to the relief of suffers and to the memory of St. Anthony. Holy Fire was also called St. Anthony's Fire from this point on. Eventually over 370 hospitals would be built in memory of St. Anthony to care for the victims of Holy Fire. The cause of ergotism was still unknown.