Why Did No One Get TB from Arthur?
The question of why no one contracted tuberculosis (TB) from Arthur Morgan, the protagonist of Red Dead Redemption 2, is a fascinating one. In the game, Arthur is diagnosed with TB, a highly contagious and deadly disease, yet none of his fellow gang members or companions contract the disease. This raises several questions: How did Arthur contract TB in the first place? Why didn’t anyone else catch it from him? And what implications does this have for our understanding of the disease?
The Game’s Take on TB
Before we dive into the specifics of Arthur’s case, it’s essential to understand how TB is depicted in the game. According to the game’s narrative, Arthur contracts TB from Thomas Downes, a fellow gang member who was infected during a visit to a sanatorium. This is significant because it highlights the highly contagious nature of TB, which was a major concern during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
How TB Spreads
TB is primarily spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. The bacteria that cause TB, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, are highly contagious and can survive outside the human body for several hours. In the game, Arthur’s symptoms are severe, and he is forced to isolate himself from the rest of the gang to prevent the spread of the disease.
Why Didn’t Anyone Else Catch It?
So, why didn’t anyone else contract TB from Arthur? There are several possible explanations:
- Proximity: Arthur’s symptoms were severe, and he was forced to isolate himself from the rest of the gang. This reduced the likelihood of transmission.
- Personal Protective Equipment: In the game, Arthur wears a mask to prevent the spread of the disease. This could have reduced the transmission of TB bacteria.
- Genetic Resistance: Some people may have a natural resistance to TB due to their genetic makeup. It’s possible that Arthur’s companions had a lower risk of contracting the disease due to their genetic profile.
Historical Context
TB was a major public health concern during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In the United States, TB was the leading cause of death among young adults, and it was estimated that one in five people would contract the disease at some point in their lives.
Treatment Options
At the time of the game’s setting, there were limited treatment options for TB. The primary treatment was rest, nutrition, and isolation. Some physicians also prescribed bloodletting, which was a common medical practice at the time.
The Discovery of Streptomycin
In 1943, Selman Waksman and his team discovered streptomycin, the first effective treatment for TB. This discovery revolutionized the treatment of the disease and led to a significant decline in TB mortality rates.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the question of why no one got TB from Arthur is a complex one. While there are several possible explanations, it’s clear that the game’s depiction of TB is influenced by historical context and the limited understanding of the disease at the time. The discovery of streptomycin in the 1940s revolutionized the treatment of TB, and today, the disease is highly treatable with a combination of antibiotics and other medications.
Table: TB Transmission
| Method of Transmission | Risk of Transmission |
|---|---|
| Coughing, sneezing, or talking | High |
| Close contact with an infected person | Medium |
| Sharing food or drink with an infected person | Low |
| Touching contaminated surfaces | Low |
Bullets List: Key Points
• TB is primarily spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
• The bacteria that cause TB can survive outside the human body for several hours.
• In the game, Arthur’s symptoms are severe, and he is forced to isolate himself from the rest of the gang to prevent the spread of the disease.
• There are several possible explanations for why no one else contracted TB from Arthur, including proximity, personal protective equipment, and genetic resistance.
• TB was a major public health concern during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
• The discovery of streptomycin in the 1940s revolutionized the treatment of TB.