During research on the formation and development of Phú Quý Island, we came across a remarkable account by scholar Lê Hữu Lễ in Special Studies on Phú Quý (Issue 78/2010, Journal of Research and Development). He documented two major epidemics that struck the island over a century ago: the bubonic plague and a severe fly infestation. Although the island today is clean, fresh, and safe, these historical events remain important chapters in its past.
The Bubonic Plague
In earlier times, the bubonic plague appeared regularly on Phú Quý, typically from October to February. But 1925 was remembered as the most devastating year, when the disease claimed a large number of lives and left the islanders in deep horror.
According to historical accounts:
- Swarms of tiny mice, no larger than a finger, suddenly appeared everywhere—from farmlands and foothills to houses, alleys, and crop fields.
- The mice destroyed nearly all crops, burrowed through land and property, and caused enormous material loss.
- Entire families were wiped out; in some cases, whole neighborhoods fell ill and died so quickly that burials could not keep pace.
A charitable group known as the “Ban Làm Phước” (Benevolence Committee), led by Nguyễn Quen of Tây Long Hải, took responsibility for collecting bodies, burying the deceased, and disposing of infected mice. They vowed to offer a water buffalo to the spirits once the epidemic ended.
Hearing of the crisis, a provincial medical team led by medical officer Ung Văn Vy was dispatched to the island. They urged residents to bring patients to the infirmary, which was stocked with medicines. However, as many who entered the infirmary died, locals panicked and began hiding sick family members at home—accelerating transmission. Those who violated quarantine orders were fined.
To eradicate the source of infection, the medical team launched a mass rat-killing campaign:
- 1 dead mouse tail = ½ xu
- 1 preserved mouse pup dipped in lime = 1 xu
Residents flocked to the fields to trap and collect mice. This systematic campaign eventually eliminated the rat plague entirely.
The Fly Infestation
Another lesser-known crisis was a massive fly infestation that plagued the island each year during the hot, windless láng season (southern monsoon). During this period, flies multiplied in astonishing numbers. When the northern monsoon winds blew, their numbers dropped only slightly.
Some families attempted small-scale extermination campaigns, managing to kill 1–2 kg of flies per day, but this effort was not widely supported. People argued:
“If no one else kills the flies, why should we? They’ll just come back.”
Without collective action, the fly population continued to explode.
Interestingly, at the time, islanders believed that although flies were numerous, they were not dangerous. Locals ate food with flies landing on it without concern—much to the shock of visitors. No effective community-wide measures were proposed.
Hygiene Regulations and Later Improvements
Under the Nguyễn emperors Thành Thái, Duy Tân, and Bảo Đại, regulations on food safety, waste disposal, sanitation of streets and villages, and the prohibition of consuming diseased animal meat were gradually enforced. Violators, especially those who failed to report outbreaks, faced heavy penalties.
Later administrations also tightened public health management, improved sanitation, and monitored disease control. Thanks to these measures, sources of infection were minimized and epidemic deaths drastically reduced.
Source: Adapted from “Special Studies on Phú Quý” by researcher Lê Hữu Lễ.
