Chapter 1, Problem 6CT

Summary Introduction

To answer:

How an epidemiologist proves or disproves the claim (cholera resulted from the nocturnal clouds of vapor from the Thames River).

Introduction:

During the 19^th century, London (Soho district) faced a serious cholera outbreak from improper services over sanitary conditions. The Soho-draining system upheld the rotting fluids, animal droppings, grease-boiling dens, and the slaughterhouse below their floorboards (cesspools and cellars). Due to the leak of cesspools and the cellars, the London government decided to dump these wastes in the Thames River. This leads to contamination of the water.