John Snow, “Father of Epidemiology”, gained this title by finding the source of which disease?

John Snow (15 March 1813 – 16 June 1858) was an English physician and a leader in the adoption of anaesthesia and medical hygiene. He is considered one of the fathers of modern epidemiology, in part because of his work in tracing the source of a cholera outbreak in Soho, London, in 1854. His findings inspired fundamental changes in the water and waste systems of London, which led to similar changes in other cities, and a significant improvement in general public health around the world.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org

Test your knowledge

What are your thoughts on this subject?

15 Comments

klmilles

He pulled the pump handle on the shared well in the effected area, effectively preventing additional people from becoming infected (although authorities later replaced it). He also promoted careful use of chloroform for anesthesia, which he gave twice to Queen Victoria. A very important man in the history of medicine and epidemiology.

Irish Kiwi

And he went on to leads the knights watch by the wall to keep the white walkers at bay.

Carole Cottrell

There is still a public house named after him in the area where he identified the source of the disease.

Patty K

Ken Jackson, according to the World Health Organization, cholera is an extremely virulent disease. I think I would trust the WHO to identify it

Michael Garmaise

Such a shame that having saved so many lives, he was denied the health to keep on living and giving to the world.

dmarkc

Ken Jackson, I believe "outbreak" represents the initial onset of a cholera event providing a ground zero area of contamination. A much smaller situation allowed easier tracing of people's movements and determining a common source. And while a source nor an outbreak are diseases, your pointing this out adds great value to our understanding.

Helga U. Williams

I think I saw a movie about him. Amazing discoveries as a scientist and medical person! 👍

garrett scott

Maybe just Cholera?

Pat Wells

Remarkable that in the early 1800's, he became a lacto ova vegetarian, then a vegan.

Kathryn Cavanagh

Vince Savage, They were told to NOT MOVE..!! time taken to hold the button down was such that any movement would result in blurry pic.!! Know this from my Dad.