LOGISTICS
As the population grew, the remoteness of Dawson proved a problem for the supply of food. In 197 the population grew to 1897 and this became critical. When rivers got frozen, it became clear that there wouldn't be enough food and water for the winter. The NVMP evacuated a few prospectors with any equipment to Fort Yukon in Alaska, while others left the Klondike in search for shelter and food for the cold winter. Prices remained high in Dawson and during the winter of 1897, salt with the same as gold in weight, nails rose all the way to $28 ($760) per lb. and cans of butter sold for $5 ($140) each. 8 horses were slaughtered for dog food, but fresh goods arrived in the spring of 1898, sold for record prices. eggs reached $3 ($81) and apples $1 ($81). Under these conditions, scurvy caused by the lack of vitamin C, proved a big problem in Dawson City, mainly during the winter where fresh food wasn’t available. English prospectors called it “ Canadian black leg” because of the unpleasant effects of the condition. Dysentery and malaria were also common in Dawson, and an outbreak of typhoid started out in July and ran through the summer. thousands were affected and up to 140 patients were taken to St Mary’s Hospital which was newly constructed. To prevent any further outbreaks, measures were taken which included introduction of better sewage management and the piping in of water from further upstream. These did help, but typhoid was a still a problem. The new Han reserve laid downstream from Dawson City and the contaminated river contributed to outbreaks of typhoid and diphtheria throughout the gold rush.