Jon Snow and Epidemiology Concepts

In mid-19th century London, during the Industrial Revolution, overcrowding and poor sanitation led to widespread diseases, including cholera. Jon Snow, a physician, challenged the miasma theory by proposing that cholera spread through contaminated water. In 1854, he investigated a cholera outbreak in Soho, identifying a contaminated water pump as the source. Despite skepticism, he convinced authorities to disable the pump, ending the outbreak. Snow's work laid the foundation for modern epidemiology, demonstrating the importance of data and mapping in understanding disease spread.

What were some of the main challenges faced by London during the Industrial Revolution?

• Overcrowding, poverty, and poor sanitation

• Lack of technological innovation

• Political instability

• Scarcity of natural resources

What was one of the main reasons diseases were widespread in 19th century London?

• High literacy rates

• Abundant clean water

• Overcrowding and poor sanitation

• Advanced medical facilities

What was the prevailing theory about the cause of cholera before Jon Snow's investigation?

• Bad air from rotting material

• Direct contact with infected individuals

• Contaminated water

• Infected food

Who was Jon Snow, and what was his profession?

• A renowned chemist

• A young physician trained as an anesthetist

• A king of the north

• A famous cartographer

How did Jon Snow identify the source of the cholera outbreak in Soho?

• By mapping the locations of cholera cases

• By examining the diet of the affected individuals

• By analyzing weather patterns

• By testing the air quality in the area

What did Jon Snow's investigation reveal about the Broad Street pump?

• It was a source of clean water

• It was drawing water from a contaminated area

• It was the only pump in Soho

• It was not used by the local population

What action did Jon Snow take to stop the cholera outbreak in Soho?

• He advised people to boil their water

• He distributed medicine to the sick

• He removed the handle of the contaminated water pump

• He quarantined the affected area

How did Jon Snow's work contribute to modern epidemiology?

• By developing new medical treatments

• By laying the foundation for the study of disease patterns

• By proving the miasma theory

• By inventing the first microscope

What was the significance of Jon Snow's cholera map?

• It showed the locations of all water pumps in London

• It demonstrated the value of mapping in understanding disease spread

• It was the first map of London

• It was used to predict future outbreaks

What modern tool continues to be important in epidemiology, as highlighted by Jon Snow's work?

• Advanced medical imaging

• Geographic information systems

• Genetic engineering

• Artificial intelligence