20 March, 1902
TODAY IN PHILIPPINE HISTORY
Two cases resembling Cholera was admitted at San Juan de Dios Hospital. This was the start of the Cholera Epidemic of 1902-1904 which is said to be the worst in Philippine History. It was widely believed that a vessel from Hongkong which arrived in Manila in March was the carrier of cholera.
The worst hit was the lower classes, especially in certain districts of Manila because of the “overcrowding, poor sanitation, and poor diet. 109,461 succumbed to the disease. It was noted that the heavy rains and increasing immunity of the populace helped in stopping the epidemic.
(Ref: Philippine History site)
