Mary Mallon
Typhoid carrier and American cook
Born
Died
1938
88 years ago — 69 years old
Category
Activists & Humanitarians
Country
United States
Links & References
A cook in New York City, worked for several affluent families during the early 1900s. Carried the typhoid bacillus, leading to outbreaks linked to her cooking. Was isolated by health authorities for several years, becoming a central figure in public health discussions on contagious diseases. After release, continued cooking under the alias, spreading infection again until re-isolation. The associated legal cases highlighted the intersection of public health and individual rights.
Caused multiple typhoid outbreaks in New York City
Was the first asymptomatic carrier identified
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