On the next day, Seraphine and Damian set out from the inn, ready to begin their visit to the town according to their planned schedule. They were well aware that it would be a long and demanding day ahead.
As they rode in the carriage, Seraphine observed the bustling cityscape with keen interest. The streets were filled with people going about their daily activities, and the market appeared to be crowded with vendors and shoppers.
Curiosity brimming within her, Seraphine turned to Damian and posed a question. " Young master, considering the reported food shortage and plague, the city seems to be functioning quite normally from the outside."
Damian's expression turned serious as he replied, "Appearances can be deceiving, Seraphine. Although the city may seem fine on the surface, we cannot overlook the underlying issues. Reports indicate that food prices have skyrocketed, and those who are sick are likely hiding indoors, avoiding public spaces."
Pondering over the situation, Seraphine further inquired, "Given these circumstances, what issues do you believe we should address first, young master?"
After a brief pause, Damian responded with a smile, his eyes filled with confidence. "I believe our first priority should be to assess the conditions of the patients suffering from the plague. No one knows the cause or how to cure it yet, but I have a feeling that you may be able to make a difference in this regard, Seraphine."
After some time, the carriage came to a halt in front of the city hospital, where the afflicted patients were being treated. Seraphine and Damian alighted from the carriage, donning protective gear made of thick white cloth and cloth masks. Though not completely foolproof against airborne diseases, they provided some level of protection.
As they entered the patient room, the sight and stench that greeted them were overwhelming. The patients appeared gravely ill, and the room was filled with a nauseating odor of feces and vomit. Both Seraphine and Damian covered their noses in an attempt to shield themselves from the unpleasant smell.
As Seraphine observed the symptoms and the situation of the patients from a distance, a realization struck her. The disease affecting them was none other than cholera, a notorious affliction that had plagued her world in the past.
"This is definitely cholera, isn't it, Alice?" Seraphine sought confirmation from her ever-resourceful companion.
Alice promptly responded, "Yes, based on my abilities, I can confirm that this disease is indeed cholera, caused by Vibrio cholerae."
Taken aback by Alice's remarkably precise knowledge of the disease, which appeared eerily similar to Earth's, Seraphine couldn't help but dig deeper. "I comprehend your ability to retrieve information from Earth's books, but how did you manage to acquire such in-depth knowledge of this illness?"
Alice responded with a touch of playfulness, "Acquiring knowledge of this illness was a piece of cake. My access to Earth's books includes not just novels but other types of books as well, including medical texts. Quite convenient, wouldn't you say?"
Feeling empowered by this newfound knowledge, Seraphine's determination grew. It was time to take action and address the needs of the patients. Just then, one of the physicians approached them, his attire stained with patient fluids, and exhaustion evident on his pale face.
The physician extended a weary welcome to Seraphine and Damian. Seraphine wasted no time in questioning him about the disease and its treatment.
"Physician, may I ask what you call this disease and how you treat it?" she inquired.
The physician sighed heavily before responding, "We refer to it as 'blue death.' This plague typically emerges during the summer months, and most patients succumb to it within a few days. Despite our efforts to quarantine them, the disease continues to spread rapidly like a wildfire."
The blue plague received its name from the distinctive and gruesome symptoms that it inflicted upon its victims. It begins with severe dehydration that would turn a patient's skin blue from lack of water. As the disease progressed, the victim's condition would worsen and eventually lead to death. The victim's body turning pale and lifeless is a testament to the destructive potential of this sinister disease.
He continued, "We provide patients with water and food, along with herbal remedies and fever medications, but their effectiveness is limited."
Seraphine recognized that the cholera disease was primarily spread through contaminated water. Quarantining the patients alone would not be sufficient; the source of the contamination had to be identified and eliminated to halt the spread of the plague.
However, Seraphine's primary concern is attending to the ill patient who is in a dire state. She intends to address the cause of the disease later on once the situation is stabilized.
"Very well," Seraphine replied, her voice steady and determined. "Please allow me to share my suggestion for the treatment. I believe it may interest you."
The physician initially questioned Seraphine's confidence and hesitated to accept her opinion. However, his gaze shifted momentarily to Damian, who stood behind Seraphine with his arms crossed, and he understood that the young master trusted in her abilities.
Encouraged by Damian's subtle nod, indicating his support, the physician responded, "Yes, please share your opinion with us. We are open to trying new approaches in our quest to save these patients."
Seraphine took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts before presenting her plan. She explained, " This disease is primarily spread through contaminated water. I suggest that we focus on rehydration therapy, providing patients with a balanced electrolyte solution to replenish the fluids and salts their bodies have lost due to diarrhea and vomiting. This treatment approach has shown promising results in similar cases."
The physician listened attentively, his initial skepticism giving way to intrigue. He recognized the logic behind Seraphine's suggestion, realizing the significance of rehydration in combating the effects of cholera.
"I am willing to give this a try," the physician acknowledged. "We have nothing to lose, and if it proves successful, it could save lives."
Together, Seraphine and the physician mobilized their efforts. They swiftly organized a team to prepare the necessary electrolyte solutions and implemented the rehydration therapy for the patients. Gradually, they started to see improvements and most of the patients' conditions started to stabilize.
With Seraphine's current ability, it is impossible for her to create or produce an antibiotic to counter the cholera outbreak. The patient with severe symptoms might not be able to survive much longer. However, Seraphine's new treatment still helped relieve most of the afflicted individuals.