Bacillary dysentery, or shigellosis, is caused by bacilli of the genus Shigella. Symptomatically, the disease ranges from a mild attack to a severe course that commences suddenly and ends in death caused by dehydration and poisoning by bacterial toxins.

Why was dysentery so deadly in the Civil War?

Modest soldiers disliked using the open latrines and simply relieved themselves wherever they found a secluded place. Dysentery was the single greatest killer of Civil War soldiers. It differed from common diarrhea because it was caused by a bacterial infection that gave a soldier loose and bloody bowels.

What was the worst disease in the 1800s?

Yearly Death Rate In The 1800's Was 400,000 From Smallpox

During the 18th century, over 400,000 people died annually in Europe from smallpox. Overall fatality rates were around 30%; however, rates were much higher in infants (80-98%), and one third of all survivors went blind.