Question

Engraving of Hendrik Hondius portrays three women affected by the plague. Work based on original drawing by Pieter Brueghel, who supposedly witnessed a subsequent outbreak in 1564 in Flanders. Wikimedia Commons. Web. 20 March 2017.
A Dancing Epidemic
In the year 1518, the city of Strasbourg became sick with dancing. Many in the town believed the curse was caused by the anger of a saint. It started when one woman began dancing feverishly in July. After one month, the illness had spread to 400 people.
To cure the sickness, doctors ordered everyone to the middle of town to dance until they could no longer dance. The city even hired professional musicians. They hoped that by having the sick dance without rest, the curse would leave their bodies. When this did not work, the dancers were moved to a temple so they could pray. After several weeks most of the sick people were able to stop dancing.
Which of the following quotes best supports the claim that the "dancing illness" greatly impacted the city of Strasbourg?
Select one answer
A
"Many in the town believed the curse was caused by the anger of a saint."

B
"After one month, the illness had spread to 400 people."

C
"When this did not work, the dancers were moved to a temple so they could pray."

D
"After several weeks most of the sick people were able to stop dancing."

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Submit A

Answer 1

B

"After one month, the illness had spread to 400 people." — this quantifies how many were affected, showing the large impact on the city.