Dragon pox
From Harry Potter Wiki
 |
|
| Dragon pox | |
|---|---|
| Ailment Information | |
| Symptoms |
|
| Treatments(s) |
Cure invented by Gunhilda of Gorsemoor |
| Behind the scenes | |
| First appearance |
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Mentioned only) |
| Latest appearance |
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Mentioned only) |
Dragon pox is a potentially fatal contagious disease that sometimes occurs when a wizard or witch ingests a potion that contains spoiled dragon liver or blood. Its symptoms are presumably similar to Muggle illnesses like smallpox and chickenpox. However, in addition to leaving the victim's skin pockmarked, dragon pox causes a lasting greenish tinge.[1] Simpler cases present with a green-and-purple rash between the toes and sparks coming out of the nostrils when the patient sneezes.[2]
The first person known to have died from dragon pox was Chauncey Oldridge in 1379.[3] Two centuries earlier, in the 1100s, Gunhilda Kneen was recorded as only having to forgo playing Chaser in a Quidditch match when she came down with a "touch" of the sickness.[4]
Gunhilda of Gorsemoor developed a cure for dragon pox,[5] but the disease has not been completely eradicated, as is evidenced by the fact that it is still treated by the Magical Bugs ward at St. Mungo's.[6] Elphias Doge got dragon pox shortly before he started at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in September 1892.[1]
Elderly patients are apparently more susceptible to dragon pox than younger ones. Abraxas Malfoy died of it as recently as the second half of the 20th century.[7]It is possible that Mrs. Potter and Mr. Potter died because of this illness, but this has not been confirmed.
[edit] Known sufferers
- Howland Coopey
- Elphias Doge
- Gunhilda Kneen
- Abraxas Malfoy
- Chauncey Oldridge
- Mr. Potter (possibly)
- Mrs. Potter (possibly)
[edit] Appearances
- Quidditch Through the Ages
- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Mentioned only)
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Mentioned only)
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Mentioned only)
[edit] Notes and references
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Ch 2
- ↑ Daily Prophet Newsletters
- ↑ Famous Wizard Card (Chauncey Oldridge)
- ↑ Quidditch Through the Ages
- ↑ Famous Wizard Card (Gunhilda of Gorsemoor)
- ↑ Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Ch 22
- ↑ Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Ch 9
