Introduction to Epidemiology 6th Edition by Ray M Merrill

Exercise 20

What evidence did Snow use to establish the fact that a cholera epidemic was occurring?Did Snow clearly demonstrate the cause and source of the outbreak of cholera in the Golden Square area? Explain.

Step 1 of 3

A most terrible cholera outbreak took place in Broad Street, London, in the year 1854. The main cause of this attack was the pump water that was frequently used by the local inhabitants. Many areas adjacent to Broad Street also became victims of cholera. This was because of the fact that these people had a habit of consuming water from pump in one form or the other. Local shops also sold this water after mixing it with effervescing powder, under the name of sherbet.

A keeper of a local coffee shop admitted that 9 of its customers died after consuming water that they used to serve at dinner. Those who did not consumed water at all remained safe. For instance, workers of brewer’s factory were allowed to consume a specific amount of malt liquid. They did not drink water at all.