The myth of the vampire has been put in the spotlight ever since Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel Dracula, and continues to be shown through the current day Hollywood movies, such as the Twilight series and many other corresponding TV shows. Although the creatures are highly romanticized in todays society…

they were often known for being terrifying monsters way back (as early as the 14th century)

But where did the myths starts? It turns out that there were a number of diseases dating way back that could’ve been the explanation for vampirish qualities and behaviors.

One of the more common conditions may have been Anemia (which is derived from the greek word meaning “bloodlessness.”) Anemia can be caused by severe blood loss, contracted through disease, or it may be hereditary. The condition occurs when the red blood cell count in the body is low, commonly caused by a low oxygen supply. Someone affected may have a pale complexion, fatigue, fainting tendencies, shortness of breath, and digestive disorders. Back before sufficient medical examination, it may have led people to believe that the anemic person had suffered from a vampire attack, in which their blood was sucked out from the “monster.” Additionally, it may have led to the suspicion that this person was going through a vampire transition, shown through their paleness and inability to successfully eat and digest food.

Another possible disorder that may be to blame for the myths is Catalepsy, which is a condition that alters the nervous system to suspend human animation. Symptoms include muscle tightness, temporary paralysis, and extreme temperature sensitivity so someone afflicted may be able to see and hear, but not be able to move. Therefore, it seemed as if they were dead, which caused much confusion once the condition wore off. From this, stories spread about corpses rising from the dead.

Although these were both possible reasons for the myths, the most prominent may have been the disease known as Porphyria, a hereditary blood disease, which doctors gave the name “Vampire’s Disease.” Porphyria, meaning purple in greek, is named after its discoloration of the urine, making it a dark indigo color. This is because someone afflicted with porphyria cannot create heme, which is one of the most prominent components of the red hue in blood. Modern day treatment of Porphyria includes the injection of heme into the bloodstream, but this was not discovered in science until the mid 1900s. Centuries ago it was believed that the patient was urinating blood, and that treatment required the drinking of other’s blood to replenish their own blood levels. Additional symptoms to this disease include extreme sensitivity to light (explains the myths about vampires roaming in the darkness and burning in the sunlight) and the tightening of skin around lips and gums. This would cause the incisors to become more noticeable and prominent, hinting at the appearance of fangs. 

Stories about those afflicted and their symptoms evolved to become myths which spread throughout the world and inspired many pieces of literature, art, and film. Most of these conditions are heredity, so it is unlikely that one would be able to have such a disorder. Moreover, the progression of technology has allowed for sufficient treatment of them all; therefore, it is very unlikely to catch a seemingly vampirish disease.