The London Cholera Outbreak of 1854

The London Cholera Outbreak of 1854 was a severe epidemic caused by contaminated water supplies, resulting in thousands of deaths. Dr. John Snow, a pioneering epidemiologist, mapped cases and identified a specific water pump on Broad Street as the source. His findings showed that cholera spread through tainted water rather than miasma (bad air). Removing the pump handle stopped the outbreak, providing strong evidence for waterborne transmission. This event marked a significant breakthrough in public health, emphasizing the importance of sanitation and clean water in preventing disease spread.