human
How did the syphilis epidemic of the 1800s affect the lives of the people who lived in New York?
assistant
The outbreak of Syphilis in the 1800s had a devastating effect on the lives of many people living in New York City. It caused widespread illness and death, especially among those living in poverty. Many people were infected with the disease through sexual contact, and the disease was spread by prostitution, which was rampant in the city at that time. People also caught it from their partners or other close contacts. As the disease spread, so did its effects. People suffered from symptoms such as skin lesions, blindness, and mental health problems. In addition, there was an increase in infant mortality due to the lack of medical care available at the time.