The Life and Impact of Mary Mallon

Mary Mallon, also known as Typhoid Mary, was an Irish immigrant who rose to infamy in the early 20th century as a symptomless carrier of typhoid fever. Born around 1869 in Ireland, she emigrated to America in pursuit of a better life. Initially working as a cook in affluent households, her career took a dark turn as multiple outbreaks of typhoid fever occurred within families she served, leading to severe illness and fatalities. Public health officials, particularly sanitarian George Soper, eventually tracked her down, suspecting her of being the source of these outbreaks due to her unique status as an asymptomatic carrier of the disease.