Physicians diagnosed Zachary Taylor's cause of death as cholera morbus — a medical term that is no longer used today. Now, the term is called acute gastroenteritis, which is a disease acquired when contaminated food or water is ingested, per Science Direct. In the 1800s, cholera morbus was a common illness, especially during the oppressive heat in the summertime. Taylor's physician believed that bacteria were present in the milk that he consumed shortly before getting sick.
Historians, however, have different opinions on Taylor's cause of death, as reported by Politico. Some believe that he died of heatstroke, while others say that the acute gastroenteritis was caused by ingesting too many cherries — an acidic fruit — combined with iced milk. The symptoms Taylor experienced, such as abdominal pains and diarrhea, are also the most common symptoms seen in patients with acute gastroenteritis.
After Zachary Taylor's death, Vice President Millard Fillmore was sworn in as the new president the very next day.
