Acacio Gabriel Viegas
Acacio Gabriel Viegas (pronunciation: ah-KAH-see-oh gab-REE-el vee-AY-gahs) is a notable figure in the field of medicine, particularly known for his significant contributions to the eradication of the bubonic plague in Bombay, India in 1897.
Etymology
The name Acacio is of Portuguese origin, meaning 'thornless,' while Gabriel is a biblical name meaning 'God is my strength.' Viegas is a common surname in Portugal, derived from the Portuguese word 'veiga,' which means 'meadow.'
Biography
Acacio Gabriel Viegas was born in 1856 in Goa, India, which was then a Portuguese colony. He studied medicine at the Grant Medical College in Bombay, where he later established his medical practice. Viegas is most renowned for his identification of the bubonic plague outbreak in Bombay in 1896. His early detection and subsequent efforts led to the implementation of measures that effectively contained the spread of the disease, saving countless lives.
Bubonic Plague
The bubonic plague is a highly infectious and often deadly disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. It is primarily transmitted through the bites of infected fleas that live on small mammals, such as rats. Symptoms include fever, chills, weakness, and swollen lymph nodes. In the late 19th century, the disease was a significant cause of mortality.
Legacy
In recognition of his contributions, a statue of Acacio Gabriel Viegas was erected in the Mumbai Municipal Corporation building. Additionally, a street in South Mumbai has been named after him.
Related Terms
- Epidemiology: The study and analysis of the distribution, patterns, and determinants of health and disease conditions in defined populations.
- Public Health: The science of protecting and improving the health of people and their communities.
- Yersinia pestis: The bacterium that causes bubonic plague.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Acacio Gabriel Viegas
- Wikipedia's article - Acacio Gabriel Viegas
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