cholera outbreak of 1854

The 1854 cholera outbreak was a severe epidemic that primarily affected London. It was caused by the bacterium *Vibrio cholerae*, transmitted through contaminated water sources. At the time, many believed miasma (bad air) spread disease, but Dr. John Snow's investigations showed it was water contamination. He traced cases to a contaminated public water pump on Broad Street, leading to efforts to improve sanitation. This outbreak highlighted the importance of clean water and hygiene in preventing disease, marking a significant step forward in public health understanding and infrastructure.