Going viral

COVID-19 is not the first pandemic in Ormond’s history. Not only has the College experienced several global outbreaks but Ormondians have made significant contributions to the global fight against infectious diseases.

Most of the viral outbreaks during Ormond’s history have been quite mild, such as the 1890 outbreak of ‘Russian’ flu, a disease mainly found in wild ducks. This malady struck down College students including every member of the Ormond and Trinity rowing crews; fortunately without serious consequences. Similarly mild was the German measles outbreak in 1937, which infected a third of the College. Afflicted students were quarantined to rooms and spent their time playing cards in their pyjamas.  

Ormond’s response was prompt and proactive: College tutors vaccinated each member of its community, from Master to maid-servants.

Whilst the ‘Russian’ and ‘German’ viruses caused little harm, the ‘Spanish’ flu pandemic was more serious. Arriving in Australia in 1919, the illness infected around 40% of Australians and killed at least 12,000. In Melbourne, the MCG and Royal Exhibition buildings were turned into hospitals. Ormond’s response was prompt and proactive: College tutors vaccinated each member of its community, from Master to maid-servants. The entire college also spent a weekend in quarantine, during which there was a roaring trade in cigarettes. The plan worked: there were only a few flu cases in College, and all recovered. 

Many Ormondians helped fight the flu. Two in particular made significant contributions. The first was Joseph Connor, an Australian Army doctor who with two others confirmed that flu was caused by a then-unknown organism smaller than a bacterium. This paved the way for the discovery of viruses. Connor’s research involved substantial risk of infection: one of his two collaborators died of the disease during the research. Connor survived to marry another celebrated Ormondian medical scientist. 

In a subsequent generation, an even more significant contribution was made by fellow Ormondian Sir Frank Macfarlane Burnet, a Nobel prize-winning medical scientist. Macfarlane Burnet’s achievements include developing techniques for detecting, isolating and culturing influenza, and contemporary methods for producing influenza vaccines are still based on Macfarlane Burnet’s work. 

As well these globally important scientists, Ormond has produced a great many doctors and medical researchers making advances in their field. In addition, the College continues to nurture new generations of Medicine and Science students following in the footsteps of these illustrious predecessors.