1 Review the work of John Snow regarding the cholera epidemi

1. Review the work of John Snow regarding the cholera epidemic in Soho/London England in 1854. Answer the following questions:

a. Describe the geographical chart he used to map the outbreak of cholera in London and Soho England.

b. What body system is affected by cholera and why is it such a dangerous disease?

Solution

1. a. John snow is regarded as ome of the fathers of modern epidemiology. in 1854 massive cholera outbreak resulted in england in cities of london and soho. dr, snow examined and monitered the situation and mapped it. he theorized that cholera reproduces in human body and spread through contaminated water.

in soho during outbreak near his home he mapped 13 public wells and all cholera deaths in soho. he noted around one particular water pump on the south west corner of broad street and cambridge which water was contaminated by cholera. later he studied the water under microscope and saw the presence of an unusual bacterium.

b. Cholera is caused by a bacterium Vibrio cholerae. it mainly effects the small intestine. it produces a strong toxin which is responsible for the disease condition. the common symptoms are diarrhoae like \' rice water\' and watery vomiting. this causes loss of body fluid and, muscle cramps and electrolyte loss. if not treated earlier it may become fetal quickly as due to vomiting and diarrhoae body becomes dehydrated and the minerals are lost .