Malaria was a more terrifying presence to those fleeing famine than bandits.
After all, one might still find a slim chance of survival against bandits, but malaria didn't care who you were, and once contracted, it was exceedingly difficult to eradicate due to its recurrent nature.
Therefore, people couldn't help but turn pale at the thought.
Xiao Chan also frowned at the news and immediately went back to report.
After Xiao Chan left, the refugees here continued to fervently discuss the sudden outbreak of malaria, but such a question was beyond the understanding of these commoners.
Even the old doctor couldn't pinpoint the cause, only able to say dryly, "Since ancient times, malaria has been most likely to occur from the beginning of spring through summer. Its proliferation is mostly related to diet and environment, but pinpointing the exact source of the disease is probably not easy."