New Books in Science, Technology, and Society cover image

Christos Lynteris, "Visual Plague: The Emergence of Epidemic Photography" (MIT Press, 2022)

New Books in Science, Technology, and Society

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Masks, Rats, and Epidemic Narratives

This chapter examines the historical misconceptions about plague transmission, particularly the scapegoating of rats and the rat-flea transmission theory. It explores the evolution of epidemic photography and the role of masks, highlighting their significance in public health communication and societal perceptions during health crises. The discussion interlinks historical practices with contemporary responses to pandemics, revealing the cyclical nature of public health narratives.

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