Yellow Fever: Its impact on American History

The Friends of HRLS are pleased to welcome back Dr. Dianne Murphy, who will speak on the fascinating—and chilling—history of Yellow Fever. This deadly disease has shaped the course of U.S. history, influencing the location of our nation’s capital and playing a pivotal role in the construction of the Panama Canal. From devastating outbreaks in cities like Philadelphia and Galveston to its continued presence today, Yellow Fever remains a global threat—with no cure and vaccination as the only protection.

Dr. Murphy is a retired pediatrician with extensive experience in clinical care, teaching, and research, including a fellowship in pediatric infectious diseases and academic roles at several major universities. She has published widely on pediatric infectious diseases and co-edited the second edition of Pediatric Drug Development. Since retiring in 2016, she has remained active through volunteer work with historical sites and public health initiatives in Virginia.