How the White House Killed Two Presidents

William Henry Harrison, the shortest-serving U.S. President, died 32 days into his term in 1841. Initially thought to have died from pneumonia due to a lengthy inaugural address in cold weather, modern analysis suggests enteric fever from contaminated water was the cause. Symptoms like severe constipation and anxiety, along with the timing of his illness, challenge the pneumonia diagnosis. The White House's water source was near a waste dumping ground, likely spreading salmonella. Other presidents of the era also suffered similar illnesses, highlighting the unsanitary conditions of the time.

What was the initial belief about the cause of President Harrison's death?

• A heart attack

• Food poisoning

• Pneumonia from a long speech in cold weather

• A stroke

What modern analysis suggests as the real cause of President Harrison's death?

• Food poisoning

• Contaminated water in the White House

• A heart attack

• A stroke

Which symptom did President Harrison NOT exhibit that would be typical of pneumonia?

• Difficulty breathing

• Fever

• Constipation

• Coughing up blood

What disease does the modern analysis suggest President Harrison actually suffered from?

• Cholera

• Enteric fever

• Malaria

• Tuberculosis

What was the main issue with the water supply in Washington, D.C., during the 1840s?

• It was too cold

• It was not available to everyone

• It was contaminated with human waste

• It was too expensive