The following are some common diseases that sailors had during sea voyages.

Dysentary - chronic diseases of the large intestines from an ameoba.  Symptoms - diarrhea with blood and severe abdominal cramps.

Malaria - fever from a parasite transmitted by mosquitoes.  Symptoms - fever, chills, and sweating. Untreated the attacks continue to recur. Treatment wa quinine, which was toxic to the protozoans that caused the malaria.

Malnutrition - the lack of proper vitamins in diet.  Symptoms - Lack of energy, sleepiness, vulnerability to colds and flu. Can be fatal.

Scurvy - disease from a deficiency of vitamin C.  Symptoms - weakness, spongy and inflamed gums, loose teeth, and ruptured blood vessels. If not reversed will eventually result in death.

Sea Sickness - being off balance on board ship.  Symptoms - Upset stomach, vomiting, and headache. Can cause dehydration. Usually goes away after a few weeks at sea.

Typhus - contracted from body lice.  Symptoms - ten days after being bitten: high fever, pain in the muscles, headaches. After 5 days a dark-red rash appears, the second week the victim becomes delirious and dies. If the victim survives the first 2 weeks, he or she will recover.

Captain Cook's Disease Dilemma

It is 1776, and Captain Cook is sailing in the Pacific. Your crew members are complaining about various ailments and it is up to you figure out how to help them. You need to first identify the disease, and then recommend a cure/solution (you do not need full sentences).

4)  Some are complaining about a lack of energy and terrible sleepiness.
5)  Others are experiencing upset stomachs, vomiting, and headaches.
6)  Now some are complaining of high fevers with pain in their muscles.
7)  One of your crew members is suffering from severe abdominal cramps.
8)  Now half your crew is complaining about weakness, spongy and inflamed gums, and loose teeth in some cases.

Whew!  Who ever said it was easy being a captain?