 |
|
|
|
 Melissa Sue Anderson, right, portrayed Mary Ingalls in the 1970s NBC TV show "Little House on the Prairie."
February 4th, 2013
10:47 AM ET
The real reason Mary Ingalls went blindIf you watched "Little House on the Prairie," chances are you remember the story of Mary Ingalls. The television show and popular book series drew on the real-life experiences of Laura Ingalls Wilder. Mary, Laura's sister, went blind as a teenager after contracting scarlet fever, according to the story. Now a team of medical researchers are raising questions about whether that's true. Dr. Beth Tarini, one of the co-authors of the paper, became intrigued by the question as a medical student. "I was in my pediatrics rotation. We were talking about scarlet fever, and I said, 'Oh, scarlet fever makes you go blind. Mary Ingalls went blind from it,'" recalls Tarini, who is now an assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Michigan. My supervisor said, "I don't think so." Tarini started doing research. Over the course of 10 years, she and her team of researchers, pored over old papers and letters written by Laura Ingalls Wilder, local newspaper accounts of Mary's illness and epidemiological data on blindness and infectious disease in the late 19th century. What they found was intriguing.
Digging deeper, when researchers looked at epidemiological data from the time, they saw that most cases of blindness attributed to scarlet fever were temporary. In addition, newspaper accounts of Mary's illness report "severe headaches" and one side of her face being partially paralyzed. Finally, and perhaps the most important piece of evidence, in a letter Wilder wrote to her daughter, Rose, right before her book "By the Shores of Silver Lake" was published, she makes reference "some sort of spinal sickness". The letter also mentions that Mary saw a specialist in Chicago who said "the nerves of her eyes were paralyzed and there was no hope." Diagnosis by these disease detectives: viral meningoencephalitis, which causes inflammation of the brain and the meninges, the membrane that covers the brain. In severe cases, it can cause inflammation of the optic nerve that can result in a slow and progressive loss of sight. It may not be the biggest bombshell to hit the medical world, but to "Little House" fans, the question remains: why did Wilder change her sister's illness to scarlet fever? The study authors believe it could be because Wilder and her editors thought scarlet fever would be more relatable to her readers. Scarlet fever is mentioned in other books from the period, including "Little Women" and "Frankenstein." But there is also an important wider medical lesson we can learn from this research. Today, about 10% of people infected with strep get scarlet fever, says Tarini. It is easily treatable. But because the cultural reference to scarlet fever is so ingrained in our culture, people assume it is very dangerous. "People read as children that scarlet fever makes you go blind," says Tarini. "Parents look concerned ... so I have to debunk it in the office." The study was published Monday in this week's edition of the journal Pediatrics. soundoff (1,771 Responses)« Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Next »Leave a Reply to Mercedes Sprinter Repair Near Mee
Next entry »Too much TV could damage sperm production
« Previous entry7 weight loss myths (sort of) debunked
|
  About this blog
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the latest stories from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Senior Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen and the CNN Medical Unit producers. They'll share news and views on health and medical trends - info that will help you take better care of yourself and the people you love.
 |
|
|
|
May I just say what a comfort to uncover somebody that genuinely understands what they're talking about over the internet. You definitely understand how to bring a problem to light and make it important. More people ought to read this and understand this side of your story. It's surprising you're not more popular because you certainly have the gift.
http://razorlord.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=www.bjsnearme.com
Iím amazed, I must say. Seldom do I encounter a blog thatís equally educative and entertaining, and without a doubt, you have hit the nail on the head. The issue is something that too few people are speaking intelligently about. I am very happy that I stumbled across this during my search for something regarding this.
http://paulslist.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=quotenearme.com
Hi there! I could have sworn Iíve visited this website before but after browsing through a few of the posts I realized itís new to me. Anyhow, Iím definitely delighted I came across it and Iíll be book-marking it and checking back often!
https://www.ravenbankschool.co.uk/warrington/primary/ravenbank/CookiePolicy.action?backto=http://www.hootnholler.net/
You should be a part of a contest for one of the highest quality sites on the web. I will highly recommend this web site!
https://kuniroku.com/mt/mt4i.cgi?id=1&cat=12&mode=redirect&no=17&ref_eid=685&url=http://bestlocalnearme.com
This site truly has all of the info I needed about this subject and didnít know who to ask.
http://jmp.rgr.jp/jmp/rank.cgi?mode=link&id=265802&url=http3A2F2Fhootnholler.net
Itís nearly impossible to find experienced people about this topic, but you sound like you know what youíre talking about! Thanks
https://tempechamber.glueup.com/track/redirect?type=campaign&lid=49&tracking_id=%5BtrackingId%5D&redirect_url=http://bestshopnearme.com
There is certainly a great deal to learn about this topic. I love all of the points you've made.
http://www.absoverforty.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=bestservicenearme.com
http://www.funny-games.ws/myspace.php?url=https://bestservicenearme.com/
https://bonus-books.com/bjs-near-me-17/
Everything is very open with a precise clarification of the challenges. It was really informative. Your website is useful. Thank you for sharing!
https://v2.afilio.com.br/tracker.php?banid=4459803&campid=30926;2260&siteid=48458&url=https://assistedlivingseniorcarepalmdesert.com/
https://www.ignicaodigital.com.br/affiliate/?idev_id=270&u=https://gomode.tv
Next time I read a blog, Hopefully it won't fail me as much as this one. After all, I know it was my choice to read through, but I really thought you'd have something interesting to say. All I hear is a bunch of crying about something you can fix if you were not too busy seeking attention.
http://devot-ee.com/?URL=hootnholler.net
http://es.paltalk.com/client/webapp/client/External.wmt?url=https://ocrv.club
http://shoplocal.chieftain.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=https://www.ocrv.guru
http://www.irc.lc/http://heatingairconditioningcontractorsanaheimhills.com/bbs-arab
http://ww31.instergram.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=https://www.katsfineartstudio.com
Good info. Lucky me I came across your website by chance (stumbleupon). I have book marked it for later!
https://citrix.iamgold.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=http://getmoneysocial.com
https://irwebcast.com/cgi-local/report/redirect.cgi?url=http://www.reviewnearme.com/
https://www.searchesinteractive.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=https://www.commercialvanrepairshop.com/
I truly love your website.. Pleasant colors & theme. Did you create this amazing site yourself? Please reply back as Iím trying to create my own site and want to learn where you got this from or exactly what the theme is named. Appreciate it!
http://localbusiness.pressdemocrat.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=getmoneysocial.com
https://legacy.aom.org/verifymember.asp?nextpage=www.cateringbusinessplans.com/
https://www.my-retail-store.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=http://wholisticcircle.com
Great post. I'm going through a few of these issues as well..
https://it.paltalk.com/client/webapp/client/External.wmt?url=wholisticcircle.com
An outstanding share! I have just forwarded this onto a friend who was conducting a little homework on this. And he in fact bought me dinner because I discovered it for him... lol. So let me reword this.... Thanks for the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending the time to talk about this subject here on your web page.
http://elephone.hk/static/redirect?url=allbrewsupplies.com/
Nice post. I learn something new and challenging on blogs I stumbleupon on a daily basis. It's always helpful to read articles from other authors and use a little something from other websites.
http://meinvz.net/Link/Dereferrer/?http://www.sanmarinoroof.com
Best view i have ever seen !
https://images.google.com.ec/url?q=https://www.yamatocosmos.com
Next time I read a blog, I hope that it doesn't fail me as much as this particular one. After all, I know it was my choice to read through, but I genuinely believed you would have something useful to talk about. All I hear is a bunch of moaning about something you could fix if you weren't too busy looking for attention.
http://oliverhume.com.au/enquiry/thank-you/?redirectTo=http://www.orangecountyheatingandairconditioningspecialists.com/
http://radar.techcabal.com/clicks/track?url=http://www.quotenearme.com
Spot on with this write-up, I honestly believe that this website needs far more attention. Iíll probably be returning to read through more, thanks for the advice!
https://xcelenergy.com/stateselector?stateselected=true&goto=https://www.ocrvcenter.com/rv-repair-shop-lake-balboa-california/
https://za.zalo.me/v3/verifyv2/pc?token=OcNsmjfpL0XY2F3BtHzNRs4A-hhQ5q5sPXtbk3O&continue=rvcollisionrepairpaintshop.com/services/
Pretty! This was an extremely wonderful post. Thank you for supplying these details.
https://blogranking.fc2.com/out.php?id=1032500&url=https://hotnewsindia.com/sirsa-police-1-lakh/
http://rspcb.safety.fhwa.dot.gov/pageRedirect.aspx?RedirectedURL=http://handtucher.net/blogs/business/science_and_technology/recreation_and_sports/aviation/?s=A
I blog often and I seriously thank you for your information. This article has truly peaked my interest. I am going to book mark your site and keep checking for new details about once a week. I opted in for your Feed too.
http://tax.grandcountyutah.net/grandcountyutah/list-detail.php?m=w2y2542464w2c4&url=ocrvcenter.com/rv-repair-shop-imperial-beach-california
You ought to be a part of a contest for one of the finest sites on the internet. I am going to recommend this blog!
http://www.ams.ceu.edu/optimal/optimal.php?url=http://www.ocrvcenter.com/rv-repair-shop-san-fernando-california
This website really has all the information and facts I needed about this subject and didnít know who to ask.
https://innuityweb.myregisteredsite.com/admin/membership_agreement.php?partnerID=3185&domain=http://www.ocrvcenter.com/rv-fiberglass-repair-near-me
I could not resist commenting. Very well written!
http://smccd.edu/disclaimer/redirect.php?url=http://ingenieurleistungenreiter.de/index.php?option=com_phocaguestbook&view=phocaguestbook&id=1&Itemid=4&t=160&limitstart=81900
https://dmca.com/Protection/Status.aspx?ID=edc817fd-d796-4c84-abb8-d1cb5b2e3719&refurl=http://muttsworldmine.com/forums/user/20763-seymourvro/?tab=friends
You have made some really good points there. I looked on the internet for more information about the issue and found most individuals will go along with your views on this website.
https://sc.devb.gov.hk/TuniS/http://www.ocrvcenter.com/rv-repair-shop-studio-city-california/
http://pharmnet.com.cn/dir/go.cgi?url=https://www.ocrvcenter.com/rv-repair-shop-los-angeles-california
Aw, this was an incredibly nice post. Finding the time and actual effort to generate a superb articleÖ but what can I sayÖ I procrastinate a whole lot and don't seem to get nearly anything done.
https://treasury.gov/cgi-bin/redirect.cgi/?https://rayanaweld.com/en/products/item/16-longitudinal-seam-w/16-longitudinal-seam-w.html?start=1230
http://www.sss.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=www.ocrvcenter.com/rv-repair-shop-aliso-viejo-california
Good post. I learn something new and challenging on sites I stumbleupon everyday. It will always be helpful to read through content from other writers and use something from other websites.
http://galter.northwestern.edu/exit?url=http://businessobjectdevelopment.bligblogging.com/2663725/top-rv-repair-shop-secrets
Hey there! I just want to give you a big thumbs up for the great info you have got right here on this post. I am returning to your blog for more soon.
http://funny-games.ws/bookmark.php?url=http://ocrvcenter.com/rv-upgrades-near-me-2
I need to to thank you for this wonderful read!! I definitely loved every bit of it. I have got you book marked to look at new stuff you postÖ
http://dmca.com/Protection/Status.aspx?ID=edc817fd-d796-4c84-abb8-d1cb5b2e3719&refurl=https://england.photoads.co.uk/buy-and-sell/business-industrial/171584-RV-Repair-Near-Me.html
http://dailygood.org/more.php?op=get&url=https://ocrvcenter.com/blue-sky-rv-collision-repair-shop-near-me/
http://www.slack-redir.net/link?url=ocrvcenter.com/motorhome-kitchen-repair-near-me
https://click.alamode.com/?adcode=CPEMAQM0913_1&url=http://yarbnas.com/video/how-to-make-12-dot-led-audio-level-meter-driver-circuit-using-ic-an6884/comment-page-627/
http://www.portuguese.myoresearch.com/?URL=http://ocrvcenter.com/rv-repair-shop-northridge-californiacity-temp-wireframe/
I like looking through a post that can make men and women think. Also, thank you for allowing for me to comment!
http://shop.hahanoshizuku.jp/shop/display_cart?return_url=https://www.ocrvcenter.com/motorhome-cabinet-repair-near-me/
You've made some good points there. I looked on the net for more information about the issue and found most individuals will go along with your views on this website.
http://www.zippyapp.com/redir?u=ocrvcenter.com/rv-generator-repair-near-me