(Originally Published on 07th October 2020 | Original Content Language: Marathi)
“Typhoid Mary” never had typhoid herself, but she was a carrier… She became infamous as the one who spread fever and was sentenced to live in isolation for life. As the coronavirus rapidly spread worldwide, it became apparent that the disease could transmit from one person to another, prompting various countries and organizations to immediately issue preventive guidelines. While the grip of the pandemic tightened, researchers and journalists began to explore the causes, diagnoses, impacts on various sectors, and ways to overcome the looming crises. The first case of the disease was identified in Wuhan, China, leading to worldwide accusations against China for spreading the disease and sparking further investigations. As more information about COVID-19 emerged, we became familiar with the term ‘asymptomatic,’ which refers to individuals who carry the disease without showing symptoms or being affected by it, yet can still spread it to others.
A similar incident occurred in the nineteenth century when it became known that diseases could also be transmitted through food, water, and air. Typhoid was a major epidemic at that time. Charles Warren, a very wealthy bank owner, as usual, came to Long Island with his family to spend the summer holidays. He had hired a cook there. Before a week of enjoyment passed, Warren’s daughter contracted typhoid. While she was being treated, his wife also contracted typhoid, and two maids became infected. Six out of eleven family members were bedridden. The source of the infection was unclear, causing the owner great anxiety about whether the food or water was contaminated. He assigned George Thomson, an engineer, the responsibility to find the source of the disease. During the investigation of many epidemic diseases, Thomson’s suspicion fell on Mary, the cook, but she had left the job by then.
As Soper’s suspicion grew, he began an in-depth investigation into Mary Mallon. Mary had worked at 6-7 places, and at each place, many people had been infected with typhoid. At one location, a maid and a three-year-old girl died from typhoid. Connecting all these incidents, it became clear to Soper that Mary was the cause. However, evidence required samples of her stool, which Mary refused to provide. Soper reported his suspicions to the municipal authorities, but Mary did not consent to testing. Eventually, the police intervened, and Mary was hiding. “How can others get a disease that I don’t have?” she argued. Finally, she was arrested. The case went on in court for a long time, but considering public interest, it was decided to keep Mary in isolation. After three years, she was released under the condition that she would not cook for anyone again. Due to insufficient income, she resumed work as a cook. Mary Brown worked at various places. In 1915, when many infections were found at the ‘Sloane Hospital for Women,’ an investigation once again concluded that Mary was the cause. According to the court’s decision, she was arrested and permanently placed in forced isolation. She was sentenced to live the rest of her life in isolation, moving from one place to another, and not to come into contact with anyone. Mary Mallon, a professional cook, was only allowed to cook for herself.
At the age of 69, in 1938, she died of a stroke. Many healthy people had contracted typhoid because of her. “Typhoid Mary” became immortal in history. In the 21st century, as we became familiar with terms like isolation, quarantine, and asymptomatic, this incident is recalled. Seeing the incident that happened a century and a half ago, while millions were dying and the whole world was suffering from coronavirus, it becomes clear that the strict rules that were applied just for Mary are now necessary to be implemented more strictly.