Abstract
The Fortress of Louisbourg (Nova Scotia, Canada) thrived between the years of 1713 and 1758. Within 7 years of its founding, this French colonial site housed over 600 permanent residents and hundreds more who fished or did seasonal business. By mid-century, the population swelled to include over 2500 civilians and almost 4000 military personnel. This population boom led to the development of urban city blocks, overcrowded living conditions, differential access to foodstuffs, and poor sanitation practices, all of which exposed those living at Louisbourg to a variety of human intestinal parasites. Each parasite species has a distinct mode of transmission and impact on the health of their host, providing further insights into the daily life of the community members at the Fortress. This study examines pelvic soil from seven excavated burials (six adults and one non-adult) from the Rochefort Point cemetery (1738–1758). Multiple species were identified within the adult and non-adult burials including Ascaris species (roundworm) and Diphyllobothrium species (fish tapeworm). It is hypothesized that the rapid urbanization of Louisbourg directly contributed to the flourishment of these particular parasites within this Atlantic Canadian population.
Published Version
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