Scurvy, a disease common between the 16th and 18th centuries which results from vitamin C deficiency, is re-emerging, according to doctors in Australia.
Medics have written in the journal BMJ Case Reports that the cost of living crisis, obesity and ultra-processed foods may be to blame for people not getting enough vitamin C and developing the disease.
The report refers to a case, first reported in The Times, of a middle-aged man who presented at a hospital in Perth, Western Australia, with an unexplained, painful rash and bruising on his legs.
Blood tests and scans ruled out several other illnesses and infections, mystifying staff.
After several days in hospital, it emerged he mainly survived on processed foods and ate hardly any fruit and vegetables.
Doctors diagnosed him with scurvy, which can lead to fatal bleeding if untreated.
The report's author, Dr Andrew Dermawan, said: "Scurvy is still seen as a disease of the past, especially in developed countries. However, sporadic cases of scurvy occur, especially in the elderly, patients with alcoholism and children with psychiatric or developmental problems.
"Scurvy is a re-emerging disease with the rising cost of living. It can present as early as a month after a vitamin C-deficient diet," he said.
Read more:
Man charged with murder of mother-of-six
German warplanes to start operating off UK coast
E.coli outbreak linked to McDonald's Quarter Pounder
Symptoms of scurvy usually include red or blue spots on skin, especially on legs and feet, tiredness, joint and muscle pain, swollen or bleeding gums and skin that bruises easily.
Risk factors include smoking, obesity, alcoholism, a poor diet and having undergone weight loss surgeries.
Scurvy is a rare disease nowadays, but killed more than two million British sailors between the 16th and 18th centuries.
Mariners in the navy eventually became known as "Limeys" as they were given lemon and lime juice rations to prevent the disease.
(c) Sky News 2024: Scurvy is re-emerging due to modern diets and cost of living pressures, doctors in Australi
Several killed in 'terror attack' at Turkish aerospace company in Ankara
Gisele Pelicot: Husband 'destroyed' and betrayed me, says woman at centre of France mass rape trial
Kyran Durnin: Irish PM says country has been left 'utterly heartbroken' by suspected murder of missing eight-year-old boy
Footage shows Palestinians blindfolded and led away by Israeli soldiers in northern Gaza
Three dead after migrant boat 'with 50 on board' sinks in Channel
North Korea sending thousands of troops to help Russia in war with Ukraine, says South Korea
Harris prepared to challenge Trump if he prematurely declares victory - as he calls her 'lazy'
'Global South' interested in joining BRICS - as it's 'tone deaf' to anti-Russia rhetoric
No one knew how the King's trip to Australia would go down - and it wasn't without its challenges
