John Snow

John Snow was a 19th-century British physician considered one of the founding figures of modern epidemiology. He is best known for his work during the cholera outbreak in London in 1854. By mapping cases and identifying a contaminated water pump as the source of the infection, Snow demonstrated the link between contaminated water and disease transmission. His approach laid the groundwork for public health and sanitation practices, emphasizing the importance of understanding disease patterns to prevent outbreaks. Snow's efforts helped change how governments respond to public health crises, ultimately saving countless lives.