Infections and Infestations

Abstract

John Snow is remembered for his meticulous study of the 1854 cholera epidemic in Soho, England, culminating in his dramatic removal of the pump handle from the community well that he had deduced to be the source of the disease. Although we no longer see major cholera outbreaks---at least in the developed world---communicable diseases of various types are still with us. As we consider the stories of the various infectious diseases, we should remind ourselves that many more lives have been saved by the introduction of proper hygienic measures, such as hand washing and the development of pure drinking water, than by all the antibiotics ever administered to humankind.