“Flux” as it was called until about 1900 was a dysentery disease, an inflammation of the intestine, especially of the colon, which resulted in severe diarrhea and abdominal pains. The disease is caused by infectious pathogens such as bacteria, viruses and parasites but until about 1900, people had know idea what the causes were. Without treatment, dysentery often left its victims weakened and susceptible to other diseases. Many died from severe dehydration. Some suffered for long periods of time while others died quickly.