In 1854 Dr. John Snow solved the problem of the cause of cholera during an epidemic outbreak that year in London. His method of observation, deduction and development of a hypothesis with data is an excellent example of the use of scientific method and reasoning.
Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. Cholera remains a global threat to public health and an indicator of inequity and lack of social development. Researchers have estimated that every year, there are roughly 1.3 to 4.0 million cases, and 21 000 to 143 000 deaths worldwide due to cholera1. (Source World Health Organization)
Symptoms
Cholera is an extremely virulent disease that can cause severe acute watery diarrhoea. It takes between 12 hours and 5 days for a person to show symptoms after ingesting contaminated food or water2. Cholera affects both children and adults and can kill within hours if untreated. (World Health Organization
Some analysis of the useful map of John Snow's investigation is found here
Some analysis of the useful map of John Snow's investigation is found here
1. Watch this short video on the origins and problem of the Cholera outbreak and how Dr. John Snow solved the problem of its cause.
PredictionX: John
Snow and the Cholera Epidemic of 1854 | HarvardX on edX | Course Video
2. Study this Animated Map of
Cholera Outbreak in London near the Broad Street Pump from August to September
1854.
Some resources:
John Snow's data journalism: the cholera map that changed the world
John Snow's map of cholera outbreaks from nineteenth century London changed how we saw a disease - and gave data journalists a model of how to work today
The Original map is shown here
John Snow's cholera map of London recreated
What would John Snow's famous cholera map look like on a modern map of London, using modern mapping tools? The map changed what we know about germs and disease - and created a new way of looking at the world. With the help of mapping toolCartoDB and using the Stamen style maps, this is how it looks with larger circles representing more deaths. What do you think?
• Debate and download the data behind this map
