Old Age
During the Crimean War Florence contracted “Crimean Fever” and nearly died. Florence’s “Crimean Fever” was most likely to have been brucellosis, a disease transmitted through milk and milk products. Even after recovering from the first symptoms the patient will continue to suffer from bouts of extreme pain, rheumatism and paralysis. For the rest of her life Florence suffered bouts of ill health and was often bed ridden.
Despite ill health and being bedridden, she campaigned tirelessly to improve health standards, publishing over 200 books, reports and pamphlets. In recognition of her work Queen Victoria awarded Miss Nightingale the Royal Red Cross in 1883. In 1907 she became the first woman to receive the Order of Merit and was given the Honorary Freedom of the City of London in 1909.
Florence died at home at the age of 90 on 13 August 1910 and was buried at St Margaret's Church, East Wellow, near Embley in Hampshire. Florence Nightingale's farsighted reforms have influenced the nature of modern health care and her writings continue to be a resource for nurses, health managers and planners. | 
