Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna is holding a guided tour in English to various heritage sites and monuments connected with the plague in Malta over the centuries. This tour is being held on Sunday between 1.30pm and 5pm. This unusual excursion will take participants through the centuries when the Maltese islands were periodically visited by the much dreaded Black Death.
The Black Death came in three forms, the bubonic, pneumonic, and septicemic. Each different form of plague killed people in a vicious way. All forms were caused by a bacterium called Yersinia pestis.
The bubonic plague was the most commonly seen form of the Black Death. The mortality rate was 30-75 per cent. The symptoms were enlarged and inflamed lymph nodes (around arm pits, neck and groin). The term ‘bubonic’ refers to the characteristic bubo or enlarged lymphatic gland. Victims were subject to headaches, nausea, aching joints, fever of 101-105 degrees, vomiting, and a general feeling of illness. Symptoms took from one to seven days to appear.
The pneumonic plague was the second most commonly seen form of the Black Death. The pneumonic and the septicemic plague were probably seen less than the bubonic plague because the victims often died before they could reach other places (this was caused by the inefficiency of transportation). The mortality rate for the pneumonic plague was 90-95 per cent (if treated today the mortality rate would be 5-10 per cent). The pneumonic plague infected the lungs. Symptoms included slimy sputum tinted with blood. Sputum is saliva mixed with mucus exerted from the respiratory system. As the disease progressed, the sputum became free flowing and bright red. Symptoms took 1-7 days to appear.
The septicemic plague was the rarest form of all. The mortality was close to 100% (even today there is no treatment). Symptoms were a high fever and skin turning deep shades of purple due to disseminated intravascular coagulation. In its most deadly form DIC can cause a victims skin to turn dark purple. The black death got its name from the deep purple, almost black discoloration. Victims usually died the same day symptoms appeared. In large and dense communities, as many as 800 people died every day.
Sites to be visited are the Lazaretto on Manoel Island, the Barriera Wharf in Valletta, the Infetti Shrine at Birkirkara, the plague monument at Fort St Angelo, the St Roque Statue at Vittoriosa, the Cholera cemetery in Fort Ricasoli and the Wied Ghammieq cemetery. A stop for refreshments will be allowed along the route at Fort Rinella, Kalkara where a selection of original pamphlets and publications from the archives of FWA and connected with the subject will be made available for special viewing.
A running commentary will be provided on the coach along the route. The tour will leave at 1.30pm from in front of the Phoenicia Hotel in Valletta returning at 5pm. Participation is strictly by booking only. One may book by calling 21800992 or 9987 4153 or send an email on [email protected]. A fee covering transport expenses will be charged as follows: Lm1.75 per adult FWA member or Lm1 per child FWA member. Non-FWA members will pay Lm2.25 or Lm1.50 respectively.
FWA wishes to thank Midi plc, Superintendence for Cultural Heritage, the Land Department, Headmistress and St. Roque Primary School, Vittoriosa for allowing access to their respective properties.