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Typhoid Mary | Cook, Carrier, Captive | 3

American History Tellers

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Quarantines and Controversies: The Case of Typhoid Mary

This chapter explores the strict screening measures imposed on immigrants at Ellis Island in the early 1900s, focusing on health assessments and quarantine practices. It highlights the story of Mary Mallon, also known as Typhoid Mary, examining the stigma and misunderstandings surrounding her asymptomatic carrier status amidst the broader context of public health responses. The discussion intertwines the roles of isolation, societal perceptions, and the contributions of groups like the Black Angels during outbreaks, shedding light on the complexities of disease, class, and identity.

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