Yellow Fever in New Orleans
Grades 10–12
This lesson was designed to be an activity within a broader unit of study on infectious diseases, taking one to two 90-minute blocks to complete depending on the length of discussions. Students will read primary and secondary sources related to the impact of yellow fever on New Orleans, and will break into groups to discuss their findings. Students will complete a series of worksheets to solidify their understanding of the material. This lesson plan was created by Dr. Judy Dalgo, teacher at Ocean Springs High School, in collaboration with HNOC.
Related Stories
Chronicling Coronavirus
Here in New Orleans, which has one of the highest concentrations of COVID-19 cases in the country, we are adjusting to the reality of life during a pandemic. This is how we’re documenting it.
100 Years Ago, the Spanish Flu Tore through New Orleans in Three Terrifying Weeks
As New Orleans reels under the global outbreak of the new coronavirus, lessons from an old pandemic take on a new urgency.
Related Collection Highlights
Yellow Fever Sanitary Commission Report
Yellow fever plagued New Orleans for much of the 19th century. This 1853 report details the effects of the disease on public health.
Touro Infirmary Archives
A vast collection spanning the history of the oldest continuously operating hospital in New Orleans.
Subscribe to Our Education Newsletter
