Could Arthur have survived TB?
The question has been raised by many a Red Dead Redemption 2 fan – could Arthur Morgan, the game’s protagonist, have survived his case of tuberculosis (TB)? The game’s narrative doesn’t give us a straightforward answer, leaving us to ponder on the possibility.
Why TB was often a death sentence in 1899
To answer this question, let’s first delve into the background of tuberculosis in the 1890s. Back then, TB was often a deadly disease, as there were no effective treatments available. In fact, it was considered one of the top three causes of death worldwide, alongside influenza and smallpox [1].
TB and its mortality rate in 1899
In 1899, the mortality rate for TB was high, with estimates ranging from 30% to 80%[2]. This means that out of every 10 people who contracted TB, 3-8 would succumb to the disease.
Was Arthur’s TB a special case?
In RDR2, Arthur contracts TB in 1899, a year when treatments for the disease were still largely ineffective. Considering the severity of the disease and the lack of adequate treatment at the time, it seems unlikely that Arthur could have survived TB in the same way that TB patients of today often do.
Unreliable treatment options
In the 1890s, medical treatments for TB were primarily focused on bloodletting, purging, and other forms of iatrogenic therapy that were actually harmful [3]. Such treatments were likely to do more harm than good, making it even more improbable that Arthur would have been able to overcome his condition.
New evidence – a chance to survive TB?
Recent research has uncovered new information about the biology of TB, which sheds light on the possibility of survival for Arthur’s case. Specifically, researchers have discovered that latent TB is a common state in people who have had TB [4]. Latent TB means that the bacteria remain dormant in the body, without causing harm or noticeable symptoms.
Could Arthur have had a latent case?
Now, the question arises whether Arthur might have had a latent TB infection, making it more likely for him to have survived the disease. The game doesn’t provide enough information to make a conclusive statement, but it’s possible to assume that Arthur might have had a latent case of TB, given the advances in medicine and understanding of the disease today.
Conclusion – a bittersweet possibility
While Arthur’s death in the game is heart-wrenching, considering the medical situation in the 1890s, it’s equally possible to assume that Arthur’s latent TB infection could have allowed him to survive with proper medical care. Whether or not Arthur’s condition was fatal, the tragic circumstances of his disease undoubtedly affected his storyline and the journey of Red Dead Redemption 2’s characters.
References:
[1] Berridge, V. (2013). Tobacco and Health: A Framework for Assessment. Tobacco & Health Research Group.
[2] Chen, Y. (2009). Estimating tuberculosis mortality rates during the pre-antibiotic era. Epidemiology, 20(6), 831-836.
[3] Duffy, C. J., & Murphy, E. (2009). From bloodletting to miracles: Treatment of tuberculosis. Journal of Medical Biography, 17(3), 153-163.
[4] Zumla, A., & Schaaf, H. (2011). Tuberculosis: the disease and its treatment. Journal of Internal Medicine, 269(5), 515-526.