Epidemics reported in Tipitaka
The story of five diseases
Now at that time five diseases were prevalent among the people of Magadha: leprosy, boils, eczema, consumption, epilepsy. People, afflicted with the five diseases, having approached Jīvaka Komārabhacca, spoke thus: “It were good, teacher, if you would attend us.”
“But I, masters, am very busy, there is much to be done, and King Seniya Bimbisāra of Magadha is to be looked after by me, also the women’s quarters and the Order of monks with the awakened one at its head. I am not able to attend you.”
“All this property shall become yours, teacher, and we will be your slaves. It were good, teacher, if you would attend us.”
“But I, masters, am very busy … I am not able to attend you.”
Then it occurred to these people: “These recluses, sons of the Sakyans, are of pleasant character, of pleasant conduct; having eaten good meals, they lie down, on beds sheltered from the wind. Suppose we were to go forth among the recluses, sons of the Sakyans? In that case monks would look after us and moreover Jīvaka Komārabhacca would attend us.” Then these people, having approached (some) monks, asked for the going forth. The monks let them go forth, they ordained them. These monks looked after them and moreover Jīvaka Komārabhacca attended them.
Now at that time monks, looking after many ill monks, lived intent on asking, intent on hinting, saying: “Give food for the sick, give food for those who look after the sick, give medicines for the sick.” And Jīvaka Komārabhacca, attending many ill monks, omitted some of his duties towards the king… (Mahākhandhaka)