ZKEA

Emerging Diseases : Biological Terrorism : Biological Warfare

Summary

Cholera originated in India. Over the centuries it spread slowly around the world, tracking the patterns of urbanization. Cholera is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. The bacterium's natural ecology is warm sea-water where it exists in close association with plankton. However, sometime in the deep past it also developed an affinity for polluted fresh water - and human beings.

These links summarized the pivotal London epidemics and the key role Dr. John Snow, a London doctor, played in discerning the true engines of the disease and solving the puzzle of its spread. The prevailing theory of the day - which was true since ancient times - was that all disease was due to "bad air". In contrast, Snow believed that Cholera at least was spread via polluted water. Against the weight of medical opinion, he set out to prove his theory. It makes for a fascinating scientific and detective story.

Link: The London Epidemic of 1854
Link: UCLA Presentation on John Snow