How did Arthur get TB so fast?

How Did Arthur Get TB So Fast?

The game’s story revolves around Arthur Morgan, the right-hand man of the Van der Linde gang, who lives a life of crime in the late 1800s. In the third act of the game, Arthur falls ill with Tuberculosis (TB), and this sudden onset of disease sparks a lot of interest and concern among players and medical experts alike. Let’s delve into the plausible causes behind Arthur’s speedy contraction of TB.

Factors Contributing to Rapid Infection

Several factors contribute to Arthur’s speedy infection, making it believable and accurate for the historical setting:

• Dirty living conditions: The early 19th century is characterized by poor sanitation and inadequate healthcare infrastructure. It is possible that Arthur shared contaminated drinking water, sanitary facilities, or bedding, making it easier for tuberculosis to spread.
• Proximity to infected patients: TB is infectious even when patients are without symptoms, making it reasonable for Arthur to contract it after close contact with already-infected individuals.
• Overcrowding: Arthur lives in a period with rapidly growing cities and an increased population density. Crowded living arrangements, working conditions, or poor air quality raise the risk of TB infection and spread.
• Social factors: Criminal activities and Arthur’s social circle, in this case, the outlaw lifestyle, might have reduced the chances of seeking early medical help, allowing his TB infection to progress at an alarming rate.

Understanding Tuberculosis in 1899

To place the rapid infection in a more historical context, we should recognize that in the late 1800s, TB was:

• The leading cause of death worldwide and accounted for 18.1% of mortality
• A pandemic-level epidemic, with prevalence in industrialized countries peaking during this period

Considering the prevalence and risk factors during this era, Arthur’s rapid contraction and development of TB symptoms are plausible.

Arthur’s Last Mission: The Confluence of TB and Crime

One theory suggests that the physical trauma Arthur suffered from a confrontation with Thomas Downes, a farmer, might have weakened his immune system and created an ideal environment for TB infection to occur. This fight and the subsequent infection process illustrate the interconnectedness between criminal activities and the reality of tuberculosis in the 1890s.

The events that unfold in RDR2 serve as an exemplification of the tragic and unpredictable nature of Tuberculosis in its earlier days. Historical evidence highlights the difficulties in diagnosing TB and the relatively slow understanding of the bacterium that causes the infection. By incorporating these facets into the game’s story, RDR2 portrays an accurate account of life in the Wild West during the late 19th century and draws attention to the enduring battle against TB.

Cure or No Cure, What Lies Ahead?

RDR2’s presentation of TB raises questions regarding cure rates in 1899. Keep in mind that antituberculosis treatments emerged around this time, but there is a lack of standardized medical knowledge and resources available in rural areas. Moreover, Arthur’s health rapidly deteriorates, indicating potential resistance to treatment or non-optimal treatment options in that era.

Impact of Arthur’s TB Diagnoses on the Gamble

Arthur’s fight with TB not only drives his story but also exposes players to the harsh reality of disease in the Old West. The high mortality rate of TB highlights the danger and uncertainty, encouraging the player to sympathize with Arthur’s mortality.

By exploring the possibilities surrounding Arthur’s rapid tuberculosis contraction, we gain an intimate understanding of the dark past, the struggle between health and disease, and the life of a condemned man living in a fast-changing world.

Was it too late for cure or a different outcome for Arthur?

In many ways, the story served as a reminder of how difficult life was during those times and how easily something could be taken away at a moment’s notice, often with devastating consequences, which, in this instance, highlights the tragic but crucial significance of Arthur Morgan’s final journey. The truth, as the American historian William H. Honer emphasized, is a mix of both life’s brutal reality and “the fleeting nature of fate."